Frequently Asked Questions
The Week Before
Hydrate before-hand. Well-hydrated skin takes ink better.
Moisturize the area daily (unscented lotion). Don’t overdo it, just keep the skin healthy.
Avoid sunburns or heavy tanning on the area. Burnt skin = reschedule
No new skincare treatments on the area (chemical peels, retinol, waxing, lasers).
24-48 Hours Before
No alcohol or recreational drugs. They thin your blood and increase bleeding.
Limit blood-thinning meds/supplements if medically safe. If prescribed, do not stop without medical advice first.
Get a solid night sleep. Being tired makes pain tolerance worse.
Shower and gently exfoliate the area
Eat balanced meals with protein and carbs.
Day of Your Appointment
Eat a full meal 1-2 hours before. This helps to prevent dizziness or nausea.
Hydrate, but don’t overdo caffeine.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area
Before Your Tattoo Session
After Your Tattoo Session
Right After Your Session
At Zero Twenty Seven, we will apply protective film (also known as second skin). It acts as a transparent shield that keeps bacteria and friction away while maintaining a slightly moist environment — this helps your tattoo heal faster and keeps the color vibrant.
You will leave the protective film on for 4 to 7 days. If you feel burning, itching, or irritation outside the tattooed area, remove it earlier and let us know.
After 4 to 7 days you will begin to remove the film. Do it in the shower with warm running water, and peel it slowly, folding it back over itself. No rush, no dry pulling — patience.
After Removing Film
Wash your tattoo once or twice a day with unscented soap and warm water. Pat it dry gently with a clean towel or soft paper towel.
The apply a thin later of La-Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, which helps calm and restore your skin.
If you prefer, you can also use Aquaphor, but only after removing the second skin of film, and in a very thin layer — do not suffocate the skin.
Repeat this gentle cleaning and moisturizing routine three times a day. When the skin no longer feels tight, switch to a light moisturizer.
For The First 5 Days
Avoid heavy workouts, tight clothes, or anything that stretches or rubs the area. Your body is quietly rebuilding the surface— let it perform it’s little miracle.
For The First 20 Days
Avoid direct sunlight, the ocean, pools, or saunas. Sun and humidity can delay healing and fade the pigment.
Once the tattoo is fully closed, start using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily (a mineral sunscreen is best).
Nutrition for Healthy Skin
Forget the old myth. What truly helps is hydration, good food, and rest. Focus on foods that feed your skin from the inside out:
Colorful fruits and vegetables (rich in vitamin C and antioxidants)
Nuts and seeds (vitamin E and healthy fats)
Fish and eggs (proteins for collagen production)
Whole grains and plenty of water
Avoid too much alcohol, fried or processed foods — they only slow down the show.
What’s Normal and To Expect
Mind soreness at first, a bit of itching, and some light flaking later on — all part of the skin’s natural regeneration rhythm
Resist the urge to scratch or peel. Your Skin knows what it’s doing.
Stay Alert and Reach Out If…
The tattooed area becomes red beyond the outline, hot, painful, swollen, or shows signs of pus or fever. And if you ever have any doubts during the healing phase, send us photos anytime!
