Appendix
Reference Cheat Sheets
Keep these pages close during setup, troubleshooting, and client conversations. They condense the most-used numbers and rules from the handbook into quick-reference tables.
Needle & Voltage Quick Reference
Use these starting points, then adjust for skin type, needle taper, and pigment viscosity. Every machine and cartridge combination is slightly different; let the wipe behaviour and healed result guide final tuning.
| Needle | Voltage | Approx. Hz | Target speed | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #08 1RL (bugpin) | 5.0 - 5.5 V | 80 - 90 Hz | 5 - 7 mm/s | 70 - 80% |
| #10 3RL | 6.0 - 6.5 V | 95 - 105 Hz | 8 - 10 mm/s | 65 - 75% |
| #10 5RL | 6.5 - 7.0 V | 100 - 115 Hz | 9 - 11 mm/s | 60 - 70% |
| #12 3RL | 7.0 - 8.0 V | 110 - 125 Hz | 10 - 12 mm/s | 55 - 65% |
| #08 1RL stippling | 4.5 - 5.0 V | 70 - 80 Hz | Dot placement | N/A |
| Goal | Taper | Needle |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate, low-trauma lines | Long Taper (LT) | #08 or #10 bugpin |
| Faster saturation, bolder lines | Medium Taper (MT) | #10 or #12 standard |
| Soft greywash / stipple | Long Taper (LT) | #08 1RL or 3RL |
| Tight ornamental detail | Long Taper (LT) | #08 1RL |
30-Day Skin Healing & Aftercare Rules
Aftercare is the second half of the tattoo. A technically perfect line can fall out or blow out if the healing window is mismanaged. Give every client the same clear instructions.
Days 1 - 3: Open Wound Phase
- Leave the bandage on for the time specified by the artist - usually 2 - 6 hours.
- Wash gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare balm 2 - 3 times daily.
- Do not re-bandage unless instructed. Airflow supports healing.
- Avoid submerging the tattoo: baths, pools, hot tubs, and saunas are off limits.
Days 4 - 14: Peeling and Itching
- The tattoo will flake and peel. This is normal. Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate.
- Continue washing and moisturising. Reduce balm frequency if the skin feels soggy.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area to reduce friction.
- Sleep on clean sheets and avoid letting pets rub against the tattoo.
Days 15 - 30: Settling Phase
- Peeling should finish. The tattoo may look dull or cloudy as the epidermis renews.
- Keep moisturising once daily or as needed.
- Continue sun avoidance. Once fully healed, use SPF 30+ over the tattoo whenever it is exposed.
- Schedule a touch-up assessment at 6 - 8 weeks if any areas settled unevenly.
Red flags - tell the client to contact you or a doctor
- Spreading redness, warmth, or pus after day 3
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Severe swelling that does not improve after 48 hours
- Allergic reaction to aftercare product (rash beyond the tattoo)
| Days | Stage | Client priority |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 3 | Open wound | Keep clean, lightly moisturised, protected from friction |
| 4 - 14 | Peeling / itching | Do not pick; continue light aftercare |
| 15 - 30 | Settling | Sun protection, normal moisturising, assess healed result |
| 30+ | Healed | SPF always; book touch-up if needed |
Artist Aftercare Checklist
- Explain the 30-day timeline in plain language.
- Provide written aftercare instructions or a link to this handbook.
- Recommend a specific balm or leave the choice open if the client has sensitivities.
- Schedule the touch-up window before the client leaves the studio.
- Document the fresh tattoo with a clear photo for your records.