Botanical, Animal, and Ornamental Style
Tattooing in Missoula, Montana

Your new tattoo creates an entry point for pathogens into your body. After removing the bandage, let your tattoo breathe while protecting it from bacteria and environmental factors. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the tattoo to deteriorate over time. Keep your tattoo out of the sun during the healing process, and continue to use sunscreen afterward to help maintain its appearance.

• Avoid swimming or soaking your tattoo. Showering with running water is fine. Use unscented liquid soap, preferably with antibacterial properties, like Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap.
• Dry your tattoo by gently patting it with a clean paper towel.
• Apply any ointment, oil, or lotion in very thin layers and allow it to dry completely. Ensure it doesn’t create a barrier where bacteria can thrive. Keeping the tattoo moisturized will help reduce itching and peeling during healing.
• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Use liquid soap and warm water, and rub the tattoo with soapy hands to remove any dried material.

Once I receive your completed consultation form, I’ll send you either a booking link or a consultation link, depending on what’s needed. This link will allow you to schedule an appointment directly into my calendar or book a consultation if required. If a deposit is needed, I’ll also provide a link for that. The system will automatically send you reminders for your appointment and offer the option to cancel or reschedule if necessary.

After you submit your form, you’ll receive either a booking link or a consultation link, as determined by Leah. With a decade of tattooing experience, Leah can create your design based on the information you provide in the form. Additionally, there will be time set aside during your appointment for you to review the design and collaborate with Leah on any changes before the tattooing begins. This approach helps streamline the process and ensures you have the chance to meet with Leah in person. If you’d prefer to meet with Leah before your appointment, you can certainly arrange that by reaching out directly to Montana Tattoo Company.

You’ll see your tattoo design when you arrive at your appointment. Similar to a consultation with a hairstylist, this is the time to discuss any stylistic details and finalize specifics. If you’ve completed the consultation form thoroughly and clearly, Leah will have a good understanding of your preferences. Please make sure to fill out the form in detail to help minimize confusion and speed up the process. If you’d like to make changes to the design once you see it, that’s the perfect time to do so. If you prefer to review the artwork before your appointment, you can request this from Leah by paying an additional art fee.

Most artists prefer not to use numbing creams, as they can affect the skin in ways that make it difficult to work with. Numbing creams, especially those that need to be applied an hour or more before the appointment, can alter the skin’s texture and impact how well it holds ink, potentially affecting the healing process. Leah uses Bactine during the tattooing process, which contains 5% lidocaine—similar to the amount found in numbing creams. If you still wish to use numbing cream, please follow the instructions carefully and inform me at the time of your appointment. Keep in mind that no numbing product will make the tattooing process completely painless.

Generally, walk-in tattoos are not an option, as I am usually booked out a few months in advance. However, when cancellations occur, I use a waitlist to fill those spots. If you’d like to be added to the ‘walk-in waitlist,’ you can do so by

The best time of year to get a tattoo depends on various factors, including your location, activities, and work. It’s important to choose a time when you can ensure proper healing for your tattoo. Review the aftercare guidelines beforehand to make sure you can clean and protect your tattoo effectively. For instance, you’ll need to avoid pools, lakes, and rivers for about two weeks, so avoid scheduling your tattoo around vacation plans that involve swimming. Additionally, if you’ll be in the sun, be cautious not to get sunburned, as tattooing sunburned skin isn’t advisable. Consider how your job might affect the healing process as well.

Yes! Fill out an appointment form and include a photo of the tattoo you need covered up.

Make sure you get a good night’s rest and eat a healthy breakfast/lunch/dinner before coming to your appointment. If you are feeling sick please consider rescheduling your appointment. Not only for everyone’s health, but it really doesn’t feel good to get tattooed while you are sick.

Days 1-2: Your tattoo will be fresh and new. Keep the bandage on for the duration advised by your artist. After removing the bandage, it’s crucial to keep your tattoo clean and protected from the elements. Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day, and apply a light layer of coconut oil a couple of times daily.

Days 3-7: This is the initial healing phase. New skin will start forming, and as the dead skin dries, you may experience itching. Avoid scratching your tattoo—try gently tapping it or using a cool compress to alleviate itching. The itching should subside within 1-2 weeks. You can begin using a light, unscented lotion or continue with coconut oil.

Days 7-14: During this stage, your tattoo may continue to itch and flake. Maintain regular cleaning and moisturizing, but the risk of infection will have significantly decreased. By the end of two weeks, your tattoo should start looking like its finished state. You can resume normal activities like soaking and swimming, but it’s still important to keep moisturizing and apply sunscreen when exposed to the sun.