Got an upcoming trip to the Front Range? A tattoo in Denver can make a great memory for the occasion, but there are a few considerations you should make when you’re getting a tattoo on vacation. Follow these tips to ensure you have a great time and keep your tattoo looking fresh.
Pack comfortable, loose clothes. During your appointment, you could be sitting or lying down for an extended period of time, so you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable. Having extra loose clothes to wear during the healing process can also be more comfortable as you avoid dealing with the friction of your clothes rubbing across sore skin. You may want to pack clothes you don’t mind getting a little ink on too. Consider packing darker colors if you’re worried about stains from ink and plasma as your new tattoo heals.
Pack unscented lotion and antibacterial soap. You’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to heal your tattoo properly. If you’re traveling through the airport, be aware of their rules and regulations. According to the TSA:
“You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating them from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.”
Avoid a sunburn before and after. If you’re going to spend a lot of time in the sun before you get tattooed, make sure you wear sunscreen. If you show up sunburnt, we won’t be able to tattoo the area because it could significantly affect the healing process of your tattoo. You’ll want to avoid any prolonged exposure to the sun while your tattoo heals too. If you get sunburnt after you get tattooed, it could cause the tattoo to fade or an infection. You also shouldn’t apply sunscreen to your tattoo during the healing process because it contains chemicals that may cause irritation or infection.
Avoid swimming after you get tattooed. Submerging your tattoo in a body of water can interfere with the healing process and leave you prone to infection.
Consider tattoo placement when planning your appointment. You’re going to be sore for a day or two after you get tattooed, and that could make traveling a pain if you’ve got a new tattoo in places like your back, rear, or the back of your head. Carrying a backpack or luggage, as well as sitting or leaning on a fresh wound for several hours isn’t going to be a good time, so make sure you give your body the opportunity to heal a little before you do. On the other hand, if you get a tattoo on a place like your forearm or bicep, waiting until the end of your trip may be the perfect time to get tattooed.
Consider your vacation activities when setting your appointment. Certain activities can become a little harder when healing tattoos. Strenuous physical exercise like hiking the day after getting a larger piece could be painful and uncomfortable as you deal with the swelling and soreness from a new tattoo. Similarly, snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports could put a new tattoo at risk of ink loss or fading if you’re falling and scraping yourself on the mountain a day after your appointment. You’ll want to avoid activities where your clothes could be rubbing against your tattoo more than normal, or where you’ll get sweaty because you could risk an infection.
Don’t be afraid to walk in without an appointment. Some of the best experiences arise from spontaneity. We’re always prepared to give you a tattoo that makes your trip to Denver memorable. Come pick something off the wall or give us your thoughts and we’ll draw something custom!
Lifetime Tattoo, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Lifetime Tattoo in San Miguel de Allende, MX
If you’re planning a trip across the border, we’ve got the pit stop for you. Our sister shop in San Miguel de Allende can help you get the perfect souvenir. Check out flash by Djene Touré Lerma and Salty Walt, as well as our trove of other tattoo flash/ history, or show up with your own ideas, and they'll make your wishes come true!
Lifetime Tattoo in San Diego, CA
Our sister shop in San Diego is a great stop for anyone’s trip to the West Coast. Here, you can expect nothing less than classic, quality tattoos. Our artists specialize in American traditional, as well as custom-drawn designs. Visit their website and explore their artists' work.
Reach Out to the Shop Before Your Trip
Give us a call at 303-839-8088 or send us an email at lifetimetattoodenver@gmail.com with any questions you may have. We can help you set up an appointment with any of our artists and plan your tattoo so everything goes smoothly during your visit. Send us your references and your ideas so we can help you get your dream tattoo.