Health & safety

At The Sage Parlour, the health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

We maintain a clean and well-maintained shop, with regular cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces, floors, and restrooms. Our team is trained to follow proper hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous materials.

We comply with all local regulations and guidelines related to fire safety, including the installation and maintenance of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers throughout our premises. Our emergency exits are always clear and accessible, and our employees are trained on proper evacuation procedures through regular fire drills.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented additional measures to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. This includes providing hand sanitising stations, regularly sanitising high-touch surfaces, and following local guidelines on mask mandates and social distancing requirements.

We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly review and update our health and safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance and promote a safe shopping experience. Thank you for choosing The Sage Parlour , and we look forward to serving you in a safe and welcoming environment.

TATTOO FAQs

Health-Related Reasons

Q: Should I get a tattoo if I’m feeling sick?
A: No, it’s best to wait until you are fully recovered. Your immune system needs to be strong to handle the healing process effectively.

Q: Can I get a tattoo if I have a skin condition?
A: It’s advisable to avoid getting a tattoo if you have eczema, psoriasis, rashes, or sunburn in the area you want tattooed.

Q: Is it safe to get a tattoo during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
A: NO. It’s generally recommended to avoid getting tattooed during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential infection risks and the unknown effects of ink on the baby.

Q: Can I get a tattoo if I have an autoimmune disease or a compromised immune system?
A: Consult your doctor before getting a tattoo if you have an autoimmune disease or are undergoing treatments that suppress your immune system.

Q: Is it okay to get a tattoo after recent surgery or a medical procedure?
A: Wait until you are fully healed and have your doctor’s approval before getting a tattoo.

Why Should You Avoid Getting a Tattoo During Your Period?

Q: Is it advisable to get a tattoo while on my period?
A: It is generally advisable to avoid getting a tattoo during your period for several reasons:

  1. Increased Sensitivity to Pain:

    • Many people experience heightened sensitivity to pain during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. This can make the tattooing process more uncomfortable and painful than it might be at other times.

  2. Potential for Increased Bleeding:

    • Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can affect your blood's clotting ability, potentially leading to more bleeding during the tattoo process. This can interfere with the tattooing procedure and affect the final result.

  3. General Discomfort:

    • Menstruation often comes with symptoms like cramps, fatigue, and mood swings. These symptoms can make it harder to sit through a tattoo session, especially if it is a lengthy one.

  4. Risk of Infection:

    • Your immune system can be slightly weakened during your period, potentially increasing the risk of infection during the healing process.

  5. Healing Process:

    • The body's healing response may be less efficient during menstruation, potentially prolonging the recovery period for your new tattoo.

Q: What if my period starts unexpectedly on the day of my tattoo appointment?
A: If your period starts unexpectedly on the day of your tattoo appointment, communicate with your tattoo artist. While it’s not an absolute contraindication, both you and your artist can decide if it’s best to proceed or reschedule based on your comfort level and any potential impacts on the tattooing process.

Lifestyle and Timing Considerations

Q: Should I get a tattoo if I have an important event coming up?
A: Consider the healing time and potential for discomfort. It’s best to schedule your tattoo well in advance of any important events.

Q: Is it advisable to get a tattoo before a big trip?
A: Postpone your tattoo if you have travel plans that might involve swimming, extensive sun exposure, or limited access to proper aftercare facilities.

Financial and Emotional Considerations

Q: Should I get a tattoo if I’m on a tight budget?
A: Tattoos can be expensive, and it’s important not to compromise on quality. Wait until you have enough funds to afford the artist you want and the design you love.

Q: Can I get a tattoo if I’m going through emotional stress?
A: Avoid getting a tattoo during times of high emotional stress or major life changes to prevent impulsive decisions that you might later regret.

Practical and Logistical Reasons

Q: Can I get a tattoo if I’m under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
A: Never get a tattoo while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It impairs judgment and can cause excessive bleeding.

Q: What if I’m unsure about the design or placement of my tattoo?
A: Take more time to consider your decision. Tattoos are permanent, and it’s crucial to be confident in your choice.

Q: How important is studio hygiene for getting a tattoo?
A: It’s extremely important. Do not get a tattoo from a studio or artist that does not follow proper hygiene and sterilization practices. Ensure the environment is clean and the artist uses new, sterile needles and equipment.

Q: Is there a better season to get a tattoo?
A: Some people prefer not to get tattooed during summer due to increased sun exposure and activities like swimming. Consider waiting for a season when it’s easier to keep the tattoo protected.

Tattoo aftercare during the first 30 days and beyond

How quickly you heal depends on the size of your tattoo and how intricate it is. Bigger tattoos will stay red and swollen longer because they cause more trauma to your skin.

Day 1

You’ll come home from the tattoo studio with a dressing over your tattoo. Your artist should tell you how long to wait before removing the dressing.

Plastic wrap and gauze can usually be removed within a few hours. Medical-grade adhesive, known as “second skin,” is designed to last several days.

You’ll probably notice fluid oozing from the tattoo. This is blood, plasma, and some extra ink. Your skin will also be red and sore. It might feel slightly warm to the touch.The dressing prevents bacteria from getting into your skin and protects the tattoo from rubbing onto your clothes and getting irritated. It also helps absorb any fluid or excess ink that leaks from the tattoo.

When it’s time to remove the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling back the wrap.

Use warm water and fragrance-free soap to cleanse the area. Rinse well before lightly patting the skin dry. Wait a few minutes before applying whatever ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

If you notice a rash or severe itching with the Second skin adhesive, remove immediately and was as instructed. You might have an allergy to the adhesive.

Days 2–3

By now, your tattoo will have a duller, cloudier appearance. This happens as your skin heals. Scabs may start to form.

If you’ve already removed your dressing, continue to wash your tattoo once or twice a day. You might notice some ink running into the sink. This is just excess ink that’s come up through your skin.

Allow the skin to dry before applying whatever ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Days 4-6

“Second skin” is typically removed during this time. Some artists recommend running the area under water while you peel back the adhesive layer. Make sure your hands are clean before getting started.

You might find it helpful to pull to the side lightly, allowing the adhesive to stretch until it lifts from the skin slowly. Cleanse the area and allow the skin to dry before applying whatever ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Any redness should start to fade. You might notice some light scabbing over the tattoo.

The scabs shouldn’t be as thick as the scabs you get when you cut yourself, but they may be raised. Don’t pick at the scabs — this can cause scarring.

Keep washing your tattoo once or twice a day, and apply ointment or lotion as needed.

Days 6–14

By now, any scabs have hardened and will begin to flake off.

Don’t pick at them or try to pull them off. Let them come off naturally. Otherwise, you could pull out the ink and leave scars.

At this point, your skin may feel very itchy. Gently rub on a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturiser several times daily to relieve the itch.

If your tattoo is still red and swollen at this point, you might have an infection. Go back to your tattoo artist or consult with a healthcare professional.

Days 15–30

In this last stage of healing, most of the big flakes will be gone, and the scabs should be going away. You might still see some dead skin, but it should eventually clear up, too.

The tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturising until the skin looks hydrated again.

By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should’ve healed. It may take 3–4 months for the lower layers to heal completely.

By the end of your third month, the tattoo should look as bright and vivid as the artist intended.

Can you “dry heal” a tattoo?

“Dry healing” is exactly what it sounds like — allowing the tattoo to heal without applying moisturiser or lotion during your aftercare routine.

Although the practice can help reduce the risk of skin irritation or allergic reaction, the lack of moisture leaves you vulnerable to itching.

Tips for long-term tattoo aftercare

Once your tattoo has healed, you move into maintenance mode. Although you don’t have to worry about infection after the first 3–4 months, there are things you can do to prevent the ink from degrading.

Complications during the tattoo healing process

For the first few days after your tattoo, your skin may be red, itchy, and sore. You may notice excess ink, along with blood and fluid, leaking from your skin. This is natural and to be expected.

But if your symptoms persist or worsen over time, it could indicate an underlying complication. Consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Infection

A tattoo that isn’t properly cared for can get infected. Infected skin will be red, warm, and painful. The wound may also leak pus. If this occurs check in with your artist and consult a doctor because you will probably require antibiotics and topical antibiotics.

Allergic reaction

If you’re sensitive to the ink your artist used, you may develop a red, itchy skin reaction at the site., red dyes are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Scarring

Damage from the needle or from picking at the tattoo can cause your body to produce scar tissue. Scars can be permanent.

What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?

Do your best to avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo. Gently patting the area can help soothe itching.

If the tattoo is in an area that’s typically covered, avoid wearing tight clothes whenever possible. Tight clothes can rub against the skin and cause irritation, potentially affecting the healing process. Avoid bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, and other scenarios where your tattoo may be immersed in water. While sunblock is an essential part of your tattoo’s overall aftercare, it’s best to avoid this until after the tattoo has fully healed.