To ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications, follow these tattoo aftercare recommendations: 1. **Initial Care:** - Remove the bandage a few hours after your tattoo session and wash the tattoo with antibacterial hand soap and lukewarm water. - Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or recommended ointments like Bacitracin, A+D Ointment, or Aquaphor. Avoid Vaseline and petroleum jelly. - Use a very small amount of ointment to avoid oversaturation and excess scabbing. 2. **Daily Care:** - Wash your tattoo every morning, before bed, and several times throughout the day with a UNSCENTED soap. We highly recommend Dr. Bronners unscented soap for babies. Follow instructions on label. Please do not use Dove Sensitive, many ppl have had issues in the past. - Keep the tattoo clean to prevent infection and excess scabbing. - If swelling occurs, use a bag of ice, elevate the tattooed area, and take ibuprofen. 3. **Peeling and Moisturizing:** - Around the third to fifth day, your tattoo will form a thin, hard layer and begin to peel. This is normal. - Switch to a non-scented hand lotion like Aveeno, Curel, or Lubriderm. - Continue washing and moisturizing the tattoo for the next two weeks. 4. **Things to Avoid:** - Avoid sleeping on your tattoo to prevent sticking to clothing and linens. - Do not submerge the tattoo in water (no swimming, hot tubs, or baths) for two weeks. - Protect the tattoo from direct sunlight and wear loose cotton clothing over the area. - Avoid tight clothing that may rub on the tattoo. - Refrain from overworking the tattooed area and avoid excessive sweating. - Avoid gardening and direct contact with animals until the tattoo is fully healed. 5. **Signs of Infection:** - Seek medical attention if you notice increasing redness, swelling, tenderness, red streaks, elevated body temperature, or pus-like discharge. 6. **General Guidelines:** - Keep the tattooed area clean and dry for the first 24 hours. - Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer after 24 hours. - Protect the tattoo from direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and friction. - Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling off any scabs. **Potential Complications:** - Infection: Signs include increased pain, redness, swelling, pus, or foul odor. - Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include itching, redness, rash, or swelling. - Bleeding Disorders: Consult with your healthcare provider before getting a tattoo. Always follow your tattoo artist's instructions and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and care instructions.

We strongly advise against using any form of numbing cream before your tattoo session. If we suspect that you have used numbing cream, we may need to cancel your session. Numbing creams can contain unsafe levels of unsterile ingredients and high concentrations of lidocaine, which can lead to serious health risks such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulties. The FDA recommends not using over-the-counter pain relief products with more than 4% lidocaine, not applying these products heavily over large areas of skin or to irritated or broken skin, and not wrapping treated skin with plastic wrap or other dressings. Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and successful tattoo experience.

If you suspect your tattoo is infected, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, pain, and pus. Follow your healthcare provider's advice and avoid self-medicating. Keep the tattoo clean and dry, and avoid picking or scratching the area.

There is lots of street parking on Kentucky St. however it is mostly 2 hr parking. We strongly encourage the Keller St garage, which is very close to the shop. There is 10hr parking on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the garage.

Yes! Most of our artist use this option for transportation to the shop! We highly recommend this option as the train is always on schedule and avoids traffic. Get on/off at the Downtown Petaluma station.

*NO CHILDREN ALLOWED IN THE STUDIO, PLEASE FIND A BABYSITTER. YOU MUST BE 18 YRS OF AGE WITH IDENTIFICATION TO BE IN A TATTOO SHOP. ​*YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO BRING A FRIEND WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. PLEASE DO NOT BRING MORE THAN 1 FRIEND. YOURE GETTING A TATTOO, NOT ATTENDING A SOCIAL.

According to CA legislation, clients must be 18 years of age, regardless of parental consent to tattoo.

At this time we no longer offer any piercing or jewelry. Joe LaMariana, of Petaluma Piercing Co. would love to help you! He can be found @petalumapiercingco

Yes, we love walk-ins! We are available Tuesday through Saturday 12p - 7p. If we have time, we will happily tattoo you!

Yes! If you prefer to make an appointment, we are always happy to schedule you in! Just get in contact with us and we can help you with the rest of the process.

Totally! We offer clients a free consultation to go over your design ideas along with placement questions. Your artist will happily let you know what they feel will work best. If you like what is discussed, we would love to schedule you for an appointment to get a tattoo.

Give us a call at 707-781-9830, or email at info@aoetattoos.com We are open Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-7pm to help.

Yes, we offer gift cards that make great gifts for friends and family. Our gift cards never expire and can be used for any of our services. You can purchase them directly from our shop or through our website.