3 Ways to Improve the Health of Your Skin for Tattooing

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[@02597q]

And keep hydrated internally too! Your skin is your body's biggest organ and you can bet your ass that it's not gonna be in it's best shape when you're dehydrated. It's gonna be more irritable and it can't handle much damage.

[@JamesWithee]

Facts 👌

[@Notsohotboiz]

Getting my first tattoo next week! You have definitely helped me with all the vids man.. keep killing it dude!

[@TheKometsvball14]

The worst part about this is that this is basic hygiene info. But people are walkin around lookin ashy, crusty & orange so...this video was necessary 😂 Also if you come to Ohio...I’m there 😎

[@JamesWithee]

Lol tru

[@naturalinstinct4950]

Yes hygiene and moisture is super important, as well as not scratching the ink

[@sniperking305]

Think that’s only a certain type of ppl but aight aka ratchet 🤪

[@hamishcampbell5130]

The 2 nights before I have a long tattoo session I use an excessive amount of moisturiser on the area to super hydrate the skin. The morning of I shower and just let it try but the skins still soft and moisturised and I’ve had a couple of comments now about how easy my skin is to tattoo

[@thedatolles6289]

Omg loved the add ins😂

[@OnyxxRose]

Love how details your videos are. You hit the nail on every point, without dragging it out

[@davebone8207]

I did the lotion thing for a month before and stopped two day's before my tattoo and it healed up perfectly and my tattooist loves my skin. I was supprised how well it worked.Great advises.

[@joshcarmona4118]

Love the cutscenes, great advice. Thankyou sir

[@MegaSkinnybuddha]

Tryna do a video going over the various styles popular in tattooing right now? Feel like it could be a good introduction to terms like New School and Neo-Traditional that some people aren’t familiar with. Love the vids homie 👌

[@JamesWithee]

i'll probably do a separate video on every major style. that'll be a huge help to people that have never heard these terms before so they can ask for the right thing

[@fufucuddlypuffs3685]

@@JamesWithee waiting to hear what you have to say about them!!!!

[@marcgonzalez6206]

What about chicano style tattoos

[@Cass63450]

"It rubs the lotion in its skin" - classic! :-D Interesting topic! Thanks, James! Have a successfull and safe trip! All the best from Germany.

[@suga8160]

This video is so important it’s so weird you just did this video as I was tattooed yesterday and I was talking with my artist about this topic as his partner had a client who had a heavy tan and she was explaining this to him. He was so 🤬 as she asked him to cover up and moisturizer before the actual appointment. I am so happy I am not a sun baby and I always moisturize so my tattoo even after 8 years look great.

[@mr.freeze2681]

Would love a video on fading of different styles not just colours like fine line

[@JamesWithee]

fine line tattoos is on the list of vids i'll be making

[@mr.freeze2681]

Cheers mate really enjoy your content

[@nickj12]

I’m supposed to be getting my inner arm tattooed at the end of March and had no idea how to prepare my skin for it, so this video came just in time. Thanks.

[@carolyn6689]

Really helpful info 👍🏻❤✍🏼...I am very lucky in terms of tattooable skin ..lol My tattooist loved my skin,he says it is the perfect color & Smooth,supple..heals fast too. My ex was getting his elbow tattooed and he had rough thick skin "never prepped it before getting tattooed"😒This video would of been so useful for him...he was getting a big black & red star there...so many times the ink didn't take and the tattooist was really sinking it in . A few months later I was getting my elbow tattooed "all black ,for a cave" It went in pretty easy and even healed up well.15 years later,now my elbows get really dry and rough.. I wouldn't think of getting them tattooed without moisturizing and using a loofah at least a month before tattooing.✌🏻

[@amyfallon5132]

You pretty much covered every question I had about prepping my skin for my first tattoo. I had been wondering about exfoliation. Thanks for the video. Glad I found your channel.

[@lizreynolds4554]

I've been told that Hydration is super important too. Drink lots of water. Be Well, and blessings. 👩‍🎨🎨🖌🍀🦓🌈🌺🤗 Liz

[@melkr1000]

Could you make a video about how to develop a portfolio for potential tattoo apprenticeships? Great content btw.

[@JamesWithee]

Sure I will

[@bkjos1327]

I second this comment lol

[@mrcovert011]

James I want to see a video on what type of obligations a tattoo artist has after a deal is struck/agreed on as far as holding up there side of the deal so deposit is paid appointments are kept and artist has started with first needle poke? Should it come out the same?should it be as black as promised? Should it not be hazzy? Should their lines be clean? Spaces be even? No mistakes in the tattoo ECT.... All things leading up to the quality of what was talked about and them not milking the clock for biting off more then they can chew/ or past they're skill level? And what if it's not Turing out how the tattoo should? At what point should you say look it's not Turing out? Should you let the artist keep running with it trying to make it better? And why should the client pay for more if the artist can't deliver what was agreed or promised? Why should a client be at mercy for a artist to run up a clock because they don't have the skill set they say they do? At what point should you back out? Ask for a refund? Let the artist know your not happy? Not have to pay more for no delivery? And shouldn't the artist be confident in the hours quoted? Or price quoted? The client isn't the professional here what steps should they take after the job is started?

[@CRIMSON-FLAME1]

Good point to. I to would like to know this because I went in for a 4 hour lining session today but we didnt make another appointment after. I'm guessing she just want me heal first.

[@JustClaribel]

I have tattoos on my left arm only and everyday I wear sunscreen on my face and that one arm lol. I am so strict about it, too. I keep a bottle of sunscreen in my car and purse in case I forget

[@guyplay]

LaliGirl put it on both arms.

[@courtnrysalamone7677]

@@guyplay i was about to say that haha, might as well if youre already doing ime to protect the tattoo ya know?

[@probably_notbob5794]

This was handy timing. I love my body lotions and I have a tattoo appointment coming up in a couple of months. I forgot to ask about the lotion during the consultation though and was wondering. Thanks!

[@danicasts]

I love your channel, I've learned so much in such a short time.

[@JamesWithee]

Impossible Fondue thanks for watching I will try to get back to uploading as soon as I find an editor to hire

[@Arenss94]

Great vid! A video on tattoo aftercare and the difference between the kinds of aftercare when it comes to different locations on the body and different style of tattoo would be superhelpful as well!!

[@missericka2640]

I saw your video on tattoo artist tattooing darker skin. I have darker skin and I'm looking for a realistic portrait tattoo being on me. I live in South Florida the Miami area. Do you know of any tattoo artists in this area who specialize in tattooing dark skin? I'm having trouble finding one on my own.

[@davitawilliams4386]

There is an IG page call dark skin body art they might be able to help

[@simona845]

Avoid the sun at all cost! SPF, lotions and shower scrub are my best friends

[@simona845]

and not to forget water :)

[@zoezzzarko1117]

And clothes 😎🔥🤣

[@StanWatt.]

I got my only tatt tattooed in Huahine, Tahiti. Sam had a very long, smiling look at the tatt he'd just done and he was delighted. The white skin that hadn't turned bright red (spinal cord damage) and the ink looked fabulous!

[@GODZFAVORITE333]

I'm dead at the kanye insert!🤣🤣🤣

[@franklittle]

James there's a related subject I'd really appreciate your advice on if you can fit it in a video. Have you ever worked with an area of skin that has mild acne, and if so what's the best way to manage that? I'm wanting to get a large back piece done, but I'm prone to some backne. I'm concerned both about whether this raises infection risk, and also whether it will make it harder for my artist to work on and get a good result. Thanks a lot for your clear and informative videos, I've been really enjoying them.

[@CL-fs3kt]

Frank Little Hello, how severe is the acne? I would say if you have SMALL blackheads/whiteheads (which are NOT inflamed like papules, pustules, cysts), your risk of infection is pretty low so long as you are practicing proper hygiene and aftercare you should be okay. From what I’ve seen, they prefer that you clear it up before you come in as much as possible. I don’t think, as far as texture goes, that acne affects greatly the quality of the tattoo but they don’t want to tattoo over active lesions. Btw if it does interfere with your tattoo, consult with your doctor. Most likely they can prescribe you some sort of benzoyl peroxide wash that will help you clear it up. Trust me this is more common thank you may think!!

[@berriesncreme]

Love the videos! Can you make a video all about finger tattoos?

[@Snifffski]

Interesting and informative vid, as always. How about hydration? Does drinking lots of water in the days leading up to the appointment make a positive difference to the skin?

[@JamesWithee]

it does. hydrating during the appointment is important as well. get gatorade so you can hydrate without having to piss every 30 mins

[@jameselkins4729]

Hey James, I think this worked well as the tattoo I just got didn't have much bleeding, and also didn't need a lot of wiping during, so it went smoother than previous sessions. I'm curious if after care is on your list for future videos? I am curious about what you suggest to clients, as well as what you do when the session is finished and you send them out the door. Each tattoo I've gotten have each had a different after care regiment, and I have found that the most recent one seems to be my favorite. Not only because it is simply the easiest after care I've had, but it also seems to have had the best affect on the tattoo as far as longevity. I'm sure all of the advances in the industry have helped the process each step of the way, but my current care has yielded the best results so far.

[@p.cruzmedia1330]

Awesome video as per usual! I have eczema and I'm getting a forearm band in a couple weeks so I've been extra careful with the area moisturizing with Shea Butter everday. I broke out after my last tattoo so I'm trying to prevent that for this one.

[@sheenaw.2554]

Excellent tips. Great video! 🤘

[@Cnguyenngo]

Hey James, what do you think about tattooing over flattened keloid scars?

[@bkjos1327]

I jus wanna share with everyone a great routine to prep for your next tattoo ... the amop'e pedicure pedicure foot shaver it looks like an automatic shaver but it's for getting dead skin off ur feet. Step1. Hot shower step with a creamy African black soap and or she butter body wash with exfoliating body gloves pausing extra attention to the anticipated area for tattoo. Step 2.after fully drying and air drying do NOT apply lotion after shower the area completely use the Amop'e pedicure tool to get rid of all the dead skin that has built up (common sense) but be very carful around areas with more bone or certain cracks or crevices that jus seem or feel like a bad idea stay away from maybe only use the shower gloves. Step 3 mix coconut oil and jajoba oil and vitamin e into a container and use 3 to 5 times a day Only do steps 1 and 2 about once or twice a week use this process forever if u like but especially for the month prior to a tattoo to see amazing result and will also cut down on the actual pain of your tattoo because the skin will accept the tattoo much gentler than if your skin has a more course exterior layer on it I hope this helps I have seen first am hand the difference it makes and I am a tattoo artist that be lives in sharing as many tips with people and other artists as possible will jus help everyone and make tattoos as a whole better than keeping the best tricks to ur self

[@alanahorner8012]

James Withee uploads, I click

[@achimpatonongon1279]

nice 😍

[@miket.8528]

Great advice! I wonder if hair, skin, and nail vitamins would help out a few weeks in advance? 🤔

[@dilara5739]

You are a hero

[@katik4208]

You're like the coolest dude ever.

[@hunterflynn4704]

Hey james! Huge fan, could you do a video on tattoing over scars? Great video!

[@JamesWithee]

yeah that one is definitely on the list. it's a tough video to make though. gotta gather more photos and figure out how to organize the info so it may be a while before i can do it justice

[@Skronkman]

@@JamesWithee Thank you! I have a fair amount if scars and have a number of pieces in mind that will have to go over them. Do you have any experience with clients that have Keratosis Pilaris? Its a relatively common skin disorder and ive been told it wont be an issue, but your opinion on the matter would be greatly appreciated!

[@JamesWithee]

@@Skronkman i have a mild case of KP. it doesn't make a difference in my tattoos. in an extreme case i could see it making a difference but even then it's prolly not too bad. it's not gonna fuck the tattoo up or anything. just gonna look similar to how freckled skin does when tattooed

[@Skronkman]

@@JamesWithee sweeeeeet! Thanks man!

[@jeniwatkins3297]

Great advice! Thank you yet again

[@assassinscreedforlife9413]

Great work you are doing can you pls do a video about backgraunds

[@vjk4170]

Right. Everyone should be exfoliating, moisturising and using spf... Tattoos or not??

[@PeachFlavoredKaiju]

Do you have tips for people with eczema and wants a tattoo?

[@marliesajohnson5789]

Thanks, so useful as I only knew about #2..

[@ShineTheTroll]

Hey James. Have a question regarding post tattoo and supplements. I take omega 3's daily and i wonder if these can affect the healing process?

[@ThanosTheTitan93]

what about skin with acne like on the arm. back and chest?

[@thedatolles6289]

Love this video, really informative

[@RodneyAndMeVideos]

Informative as always!

[@faihu]

Im a pale man from the cold North ,and my tattoo artist doing neo traditional style work Loves my skin 😎.

[@ieury1]

Wow i tanned right before getting my first tat since i knew I wouldn’t be able to tan for the rest of the summer 😭 but I wasn’t too tanned thankfully

[@Sparxyzrox6]

Great video my man, I'm getting a tattoo soon and I will definitely be exfoliating my shit up 😂😂 Thanks

[@dailycharmaddict]

Lol I just got my second and third tattoos and I’m in that “over 50” category. I feel really old now...(but my skin is in good shape)

[@nitro7726]

great video. can you make a video about tattooing over scars?

[@cartermckibbin3802]

What are your thoughts on tattoos ans building muscle? I am 21 and never been very big but in the last year or two have probably added 20 lbs of muscle to my body. Went from short and scrawny to a more stocky build. In the process of planning a sleeve so was curious how big of an effect working out would have on a possible sleeve.

[@jameselkins4729]

Thank you for this. Have one next month and my skin is not great. Will try these and see if it helps.

[@atblackxm3862]

Question please mr withee..... You may have covered this question and i apologise in advance if u have. Tried going thru previous vids to find answer in your past vlogs. Im getting conflicting info re after care products following tattoo.. Question: when you have a tattoo done some artists use a cream or an oil or nothing, either cover with paper towel, plastic wrap or leave uncovered. What actually should be used? Waterbased product or gel? Or cream? A family member had papertowel and plastic wrap on thier new work and they complained of burn discomfort. When they tried to remove the cover patch ...mmm it stuck due to some of the mild bleed. Much appreciated 😆

[@JamesWithee]

I'll make an aftercare vid eventually, but the truth is there is no right or wrong way to heal a tattoo. My advice is to pick a good artist and listen to what they prefer their clients do. You can get perfect heals in a variety of ways

[@chestercopperpot8912]

Really enjoying the videos. Thanks.

[@nickyscarfo9241]

My tattoo disdnt swell up or peeled is this a good sign?

[@LeMeTellYouSomething]

Would like to know your thoughts on what defines a walk-in tattoo (size and price)

[@NsIX3]

I’m wondering if I have bad skin, or does my tattooer have a heavy as fuck hand, and is overworking the skin? Just had my 6th session, doing shading on my sleeve, and it’s extremely red like bad road rash I guess you could say. Is there anything I can do to get that redness to subside quicker? It usually takes about 3 weeks. It’s quite raw feeling as well. All my shading sessions have resulted in extreme redness, I have pics and video...wish I could show you. Also, do you accept friend requests from fans on Facebook? Cheers bro

[@chrismattingly3802]

Can we get a video about the differance between vegan and non vegan ink. I am not personally a vegan but would like to know the difference between the two.

[@TJ-vt6rt]

Hi James, just to add a little to your moisturising concept and not putting cream on the day of the tattoo. You have missed a point, there are people that have dry skin problems and therefore regardless of 'tattoo day' absolutely have to moisturise with whatever product they use to enable them to move around comfortably, I am not talking OAP's, just people of any given age that suffer from severe dry skin and eczema conditions. I feel you missed all the other possibles in this regard because it's not something you understand or have to go through so I felt the need to mention it. Best wishes.

[@MrCowH]

Im gonna do my first tattoo in about a month and straight after watching your video i went and bought a body lotion.. gonna use it at least once a day

[@ethan3942]

another great video ...also though if you exfoliate too much before getting tattooed I bet your skin will be raw and hurt even more when tattooed

[@CnSaliba]

Is it true that realistic tattoos do not age well?

[@JamesWithee]

It's not. Whether or not a tattoo hold ups over time depends on a lot of factors beyond what general style a tattoo is

[@tamarasolon2055]

What about exposing the skin to a lot of sun after the tattoo is done and fully healed? Does that affect pigment, how long the tattoo lasts, etc.?

[@InconsistentContent]

Been lotioning up everyday now until my next appointment in a few weeks :)

[@starrynite2591]

I have psoriasis scars on my arms and lower legs from past flare ups. Would that hinder me getting a tattoo in those areas? I'd hate for it to since I'm thinking about a half sleeve.

[@omarrios2203]

Go on an alkaline diet & drink herbs to get rid of psoriasis

[@sonicleaves]

Thanks, this is really helpful!

[@SmuggleFugglePotatoe]

I live in Sweden, often cold and rainy. Let's say I go on a vacation to a warm and sunny place for a week and sunbathe every now and then in the summer. Does that affect a new tattoo in the same way that is described in the video (if I would get a new tattoo that same summer)?

[@colesaul-milligan7478]

Thanks James

[@chaseofearth9280]

What about using tattoo balm on the spot before you get the tattoo and not only after? Would that he helpful?

[@charlessmith9400]

I got a tattoo do on my shoulder and it looked good for a week or so then it had a halo effect and look waaay different. Going to wait a month for it to heal.

[@leroyokpara]

Very useful info, wish you could do a vid on cover-ups too

[@stephanegreen987]

I'm a lifeguard so I'm exposed to chlorine a lot which really dries out my skin. Other than moisturizing what can I do to prepare for a tattoo? How many days prior to going back in the water should I get tattooed?

[@JamesWithee]

other than moisturizing and putting lots of sun block there's not much you can do. you have to wait at least a week after getting tattooed to swim. sometimes up to a month or at least until every scab has fallen off with no broken skin underneath. sunbathing with a new tattoo is also a bad idea. with regards to that, you might wanna keep it covered with a breathable garment until it's over a month old

[@victorias5941]

Hey, I'm curious about becoming a tattoo artist and I would like to know what you generally look for when choosing an apprentice. Thanks!

[@JamesWithee]

I'll make a bunch of vids about apprenticeships keep an eye out

[@kendrellramsey7781]

Another excellent review

[@brandonbahr5899]

"It puts the lotion on the skin."

[@ruschev2]

Or what?t

[@NunayahBuisness]

Or else it gets the hose again 💦

[@ieury1]

Can you exfoliate on a new tattoo ? I just got my line work done & I have to go to get the color. If i exfoliate will it affect the line work?

[@bloodmistninjaroyokumura6796]

Love this vid bro

[@aguilasfan96]

I have a scar on my bicep from a knife. Can this be tattooed over still?

[@SucculentToast]

Is it ok if your skin gets sunburned or tanned after the tattoo is healed?

[@josephanderson7836]

Okay so you were saying that I should not put a whole lot of lotion on the day of the tattoo but can I still put you know like a little bit on like let's say My Tattoos in the afternoon so can I put on like just a little bit in the morning?

[@CarminaVillamizarBeautyDiva]

Good topic!!!

[@heatherbaker3903]

If I ever win money, my dream would be to get tattooed by you!

[@alexzanderjohnson7555]

Do a video on tattoo aftercare

[@ericowned2934]

Random ? Do u guys change needles after working with it for a few hrs? Like does it dull after going in n out of the skin for hrs would u guys get fresh needles?

[@Yaszyrose]

Idk if this will be answered. But can you still be tattooed while taking blood thinners?

[@JamesWithee]

you can but it can negatively affect the outcome of the tattoo. talk to your doctor about whether or not it's safe to stop taking them for a few days prior to the appointment then continuing after it's done. one of the artists at my shop has a mechanical heart valve and he takes blood thinners. that's what he does.

[@900Woods]

This a post I made on the Raven dragonhawk rotary machine video, I'm sorry to use the coment section as a forum but I need help :( Hi, i'm a mexican tattoo artist, and most of my machines are either knock offs or selfmade coil machines, most of them are shity I must say but in my country and in my condition it is very hard for me to get quality machines without paying more than I earn in one month, I want the opinion of someone who really knows about rotary's or machines in general, is it worth it to buy this machine? Maybe if I save money for a few months I can buy something better but I'm stressed because I struggle a lot with my machines and I definitely want to improve my work (I've only been tattooing for 5 months, I feel very stuck at this point, but people tell me that my work looks great and really have been getting a lot of clients and work but I don't feel comfortable I want to improve and that's why I ask for help)

[@TheRealLadyAlex]

1:56 Skin has less elasticity due to old age when you're 50-60? OLD AGE is 50-60??? 😱 Hmmm... I'm almost 59... Guess I'm about dead then. Or at least old. LOL. 😉 It's all good tho... I don't care how old I am. I'll keep getting my tats til I've got no more room! BRB... Gotta go find my walker so I can hobble up to the tattoo shop... LOL. ❣️

[@AuntieTrichome]

Lady Alex Let’s hobble together then 😂

[@TheRealLadyAlex]

@@AuntieTrichome Ah! A friend to hobble with? Sounds like a winner! Ready whenever you are. LOL. 😁

[@JamesWithee]

lol

[@XDPROWoNDeRz]

Fuck yea man wish I knew more cool older people

[@raymondmacias2993]

Oh man I want to get tattooed by you my man your realism is beyond beautiful I have a couple ideas if you don’t mind telling me what you think? I would want like any animal on my inner four arm Like a Jaguar or wolf but anything around it I would want you to make it and have total freedom and for you to make something your proud of

[@Misuzu4213]

Hey, maybe send James an email to talk about your idea, it'd easier

[@raymondmacias2993]

Misuzu Kamio yeah I thought exactly that right after I hit send lol

[@kendrellramsey7781]

Congratulations

[@LOSTHAZE_Gaming]

Hey James, what is your opinion on cremation tattoos?

[@JamesWithee]

I don't knock anyone for doing them, but I personally wouldn't. Got my grandpa's portrait on my arm after he died. He was cremated. Never had the thought of putting his ashes in the ink. I think it's unsanitary. Who knows what's in the furnace they use or whether or not trace amounts of someone elses ashes could possibly be in there with it. I don't know shit about cremation but it seems like a bad idea to me personally

[@elguapo23x_]

About to get my first tat what is the possibility of being allergic to the ink? Would I have to get the tattoo removed if I am allergic to it?

[@JamesWithee]

It's really unlikely you'll be allergic. Don't quote me on it, but I recall a well known tattoo artist saying it's a 1 in 200,000 chance

[@JamesWithee]

One thing I do know is that red is the only color I've had ppl show any skin reaction to. Just really small white heads that go away within 3 to 6 months

[@elguapo23x_]

James Withee thanks so much! I wasn’t gettin a clear answer on it. Appreciate it

[@konelioailao2832]

Could you do a after care video cuz I’m currently just got a Tatau ( Samoan tattoo) and I’m kinda struggling to look after it. It would help tremendously if u could give feed back and such

[@sarahchristina666]

contact your tattoo artist

[@konelioailao2832]

Sarah Christina low key just wanna know his take on a tattoo anyway

[@konelioailao2832]

Sarah Christina aftercare anyway

[@JamesWithee]

yeah it's on the list

[@pyeclam]

I have pretty bad KP, so even with tons of lotion every day, it doesn't get much better.

[@TheShauna13000]

Will you be on Chicago?

[@JamesWithee]

Maybe next year

[@ReiKoko]

i have keratotis pilaris and it's worse on my shoulders, upper arms and most prominantly over both of my legs, so i don't really have a lot of smooth skin to work with (used to have it on my face as a child too, but thankfully it cleared up). would that prevent me from getting a tattoo over those areas? if so, that literally only leaves me with my inner forearms.

[@JamesWithee]

I have a mild case of the same thing. I've gotten tattoos right over some of the areas that are affected and it wasn't a problem

[@ReiKoko]

@@JamesWithee thanks, that gives me hope!

[@bobbylamb7943]

Oh dude is hilarious lol

[@thedatolles6289]

What about psoriasis

[@JamesWithee]

i've never tattooed anyone with psoriasis. one of my coworkers has it so whenever i end up tattooing him i'll have something to say about it after i pick his brain and experience it for myself