FAQs
What’s the best way to contact you for a consultation/appointment?
The best way to inquire about a tattoo or consultation is through the online submission form found under the headings of www.sparrowhandstattoos.com
Can you show me the artwork before my appointment?
Absolutely! The anxiety of the tattoo process alone can be daunting, let alone decideing whether you like a design or not. Tho not common practice, I personally prefer to send things in advance to avoid any tension, or uncertainty on the day of your appointment. You can expect all drawings 12-16hours before the appointment in order to leave room for any revisions that may be needed.
What information do I need to include in my submission?
The submission form will prompt you with any and all questions that are required to move onto the consultation stage!
What kind of work are you interested in doing?
Currently, my work is focused more towards large scale neo-traditional tattooing with an interest in anything figurative art nouveau or nature themed. With that being said, please don’t feel discouraged, and feel free to submit whatever idea you’d like!
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Some general bullet point tips on preparing yourself for your up coming tattoo! I realize these things are easier said then done when you’re excited/nervous about a new tattoo, but do you best! Get plenty of sleep, Stay hydrated, Eat a hardy meal before your appointment, bring comfy clothing, bring a protein fuelled snack and sugary drink!
What are your rates and deposit?
My currently hourly rate is $170 an hour. However, larger projects with multiple session projects will be eligible for a day rate. After the consultation process is complete there is a required $100.00 non-refundable deposit in order to reserve a date. This deposit will come off at the end of your appointment.
What is your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?
A 48 hours notice is required to either reschedule or cancel an appointment. If a cancellation occurs after the 48hour period, the deposit will be forfeited and another deposit will be required in order to rebook.
Where are you located?
Grey Harbour is located at 172 James St N, in Hamilton, Ontario.
How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo
First Day/Night
Keep the bandage on for a minimum of 6 hours. We recommend keeping it on overnight provided the dressing feels comfortable and secure. If you decide to remove the bandage before going to sleep, follow the instructions in the next section to properly remove the bandage and clean your tattoo.
On your first night, there’s a chance your tattoo will still bleed. The blood can dry overnight and stick to your clothes or bedding. If this happens, gently take the fabric off. DO NOT force it off or be rough with it. If it still does not come off, wet the area with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.
Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being secreted from the surface or the skin.
To avoid stains, use towels and bedsheets with darker tones and wear dark clothing.
Taking off the Bandage and Cleaning Your Tattoo
Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs.
Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.
Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. NO washcloths, bath towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo.
Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed.
Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.
Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.
Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin. Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo. Dab any excess off with a clean paper towel.
Applying too much ointment can cause your tattoo to “suffocate.” Apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe.
Clean your tattoo this way once a day in the shower for the first 2-3 days.
There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound and when unwrapped, it is prone to dirt and bacteria which may cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface.
Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine
Apply the Aquaphor or Bacitracin 2-3 times a day (Remember, keep it light!) for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake/peel like a sunburn. When the peeling begins, switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand for an additional 2 weeks.
Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, the lotion may cause breakouts. If this happens, just reduce the number of your daily lotion application.
After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Doing so can cause some of the pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will eventually dissipate.
Important Dos and Don’ts
Clean towels, bedding and clothes are highly recommended during the healing process.
Showering is fine, however, please DO NOT soak your tattoo for at least 2 weeks. This means no swimming, baths or submerging your tattoo in water for long periods of time.
Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least 2 weeks and your tattoo is completely healed. After that, we advise putting on a sunblock (minimum SPF 50) on your tattoo whenever you find yourself in direct sunlight for the rest of your life. The sun will undoubtedly cause damage and compromise the longevity of your tattoo.
Wear loose clothing (preferably cotton) and avoid constricting accessories like bra straps and tight waistbands over a fresh tattoo. Avoid dirty, sweaty or itchy clothing as they can create healing problems.