What To Take Before Getting A Tattoo?

What To Take Before Getting A Tattoo
Avaliani recommends taking three or four Ibuprofen tablets an hour before your appointment so that your pain tolerance is higher by the time you feel the needle (which, by the way, looks more like the tip of a pen than a needle, in case that word scares you like it scared me).

What’s good to take before getting a tattoo?

What Should You Eat and Drink Before a Tattoo Session – Remember that the tattoo session will cause minor damage to your skin. As a result, it is highly recommended to arrive prepared and avoid an empty stomach. Here are some essential food, vitamins, and minerals that you could consume more before getting a tattoo:

  • Vitamin C

The primary role of Vitamin C on our skin is to promote and enhance its brightness and radiance. That is why most skincare products contain such vitamins. Vitamin C is also dermatologically proven to aid in wound healing, which will benefit your tattoo and the skin itself in the long term. Vitamin C has exceptional antioxidant qualities, and it can also help in enhancing skin firmness.

  • Protein

Proteins are a type of body-building nutrients that helps your body develop and repair muscle and skin tissues. They are necessary for the formation and repair of all body parts, including the skin. Protein also helps raise the energy levels, making it a bit more beneficial for the trauma that your body system shall be going through. It will also assist your skin in recovering quickly from the stress caused by the tattoo needle; thus, it is highly recommended to eat protein-rich foods, such as beef, chicken, and seafood, before and after getting a tattoo.

  • Zinc

Zinc also aids in skin swelling and inflammation. It’s a plus before and after a tattoo session if you take Zinc supplements or eat beans, nuts, and whole-grain breakfast.

  • Water

If you are booking a tattoo session, water is your best friend. Keep your body’s fluid levels high to keep your skin hydrated. Not only will your skin benefit from drinking lots of fluids, but your tattoo artist too. It will be easier for the needle since your skin will be a lot firmer. You’re bound to have some blood during a tattoo session, but being well-hydrated can cause your skin to bleed less, making the overall process less stressful.

Before getting your tattoo, it is an excellent idea to consume Vitamin C-rich foods such as broccoli, kale, and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, or you may opt to take vitamin C pills. Make sure to drink lots before, during, and after the tattoo session.

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water, natural fruit juice, lemonade, or lime water. What To Take Before Getting A Tattoo.

Should you take painkillers before a tattoo?

– To reduce tattoo pain, follow these tips before and during your appointment:

  • Choose a licensed tattoo artist. Experienced artists usually take less time to finish tattoos. Before your appointment, meet the artist to get a feel for their personality and the shop’s hygiene.
  • Pick a less sensitive body part. Talk to your artist about placement. (See the table above. )
  • Get enough sleep. Your body can handle pain better after a good night’s rest.
  • Avoid pain relievers. Don’t take aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours before your session. These medications can thin your blood, which may prolong the tattooing process.
  • Don’t get a tattoo when you’re sick. Sickness heightens your sensitivity to pain. If your immune system is struggling, your tattoo will take longer to heal.
  • Stay hydrated. Getting tattooed on dry skin hurts. Before your session, keep your skin hydrated by drinking enough water.
  • Eat a meal. Low blood sugar increases pain sensitivity. Eat beforehand to prevent dizziness from nerves or hunger.
  • Avoid alcohol. Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol heightens pain sensitivity, dehydrates your body, and thins your blood.
  • Wear loose clothing. Dress in comfortable clothes, especially over the area you’re getting tattooed.
  • Breathe deeply. Stay relaxed by practicing steady breathing.
  • Distract yourself. Bring your headphones and listen to music. If your artist is open to conversation, or if you’re allowed to bring a friend, talk to them to distract yourself.
  • Ask about skin-numbing cream. Your artist can recommend a numbing cream for getting tattooed.
  • Communicate with your artist. If the pain is too much, let your artist know. A good artist will let you take breaks.

After your session, follow your artist’s aftercare instructions. Good tattoo aftercare will promote proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.

Is there anything you should do before getting a tattoo?

What to avoid before getting a tattoo? Aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine should all be avoided in the few days leading up to your tattoo, as they thin the blood. Instead, you should stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, eat a big, healthy meal, and follow any advice given to you by your tattoo artist.

What painkillers can I take when getting a tattoo?

– Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help ease the pain following a tattooing procedure. However, it is unclear if acetaminophen can effectively prevent pain from tattooing procedures. Instead, some tattoo artists recommend topical skin-numbing products.

  1. These products may contain 5% lidocaine;
  2. That said, there is a possibility of experiencing a contact allergy from products such as these;
  3. A person should have their tattoo artist apply the product to a small area of skin 24 hours before the procedure, to see whether or not it causes a reaction;

It is also important to follow manufacturer directions for the maximum dose limits, especially when applying topical products to large areas of the skin. Once the procedure is complete, the tattoo artist should provide self-care steps and explain how to deal with any pain after the procedure.

How can I ease the pain of getting a tattoo?

DO. –

  • Listen to your artist ! They’ll cover your tattoo with a sterile absorbing pad and bandage after your session, then give you instructions on how to uncover and clean your piece at home. Some adhesives may cause irritation, so be sure to disclose any allergies with your artists.
  • Wash your tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap. Some soaps, like Hush Foam Soap + CBD , are specifically designed for tattoo aftercare.
  • Dry your tattoo with a fresh towel paper towel or (ANTI-MICROBIAL WASHCLOTHS FOR TATTOOS)
  • Apply an anti-inflammatory balm to reduce swelling and redness. Pain-relieving gels and creams may provide additional comfort.
  • Use topical anesthetic spray on new tattoos to reduce excessive pain.
  • Keep your tattoo exposed as much as possible for quicker healing.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing, if possible, to prevent the fabric from pressing against your tattoo.
  • Wear your tattoo with pride.

How do you prepare your body for a tattoo?

Is it OK to use numbing cream before getting a tattoo?

Numbing Skin Before Getting Tattooed While numbing cream does not entirely eliminate the pain, it can help reduce it and make your tattoo experience much more pleasant, especially during the beginning portion of a long tattoo session.

Is it OK to take Tylenol before tattoo?

Painkillers may not work – I opted not to take Tylenol before getting tatted. Most people don’t take anything beforehand, Exley says, but if you really want to, go for it, though it might not be helpful to everyone. Also be wary of taking any kind of pain medication that thins your blood or affects its ability to clot, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, lest you want to bleed more while getting tattooed.

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Can you numb before tattoo?

Why Emla & tattoos? – Sometimes we all need a little extra help. Emla numbing cream is a trusted brand that can help you through your tattoo appointment. Emla can also be used to numb the skin before laser tattoo removal. As a trusted numbing cream, Emla has been helping to reduce the pain of needle and laser procedures in the UK for more than 20 years.

What should I eat and drink before a tattoo?

Embrace the protein – If you’re wondering what to eat before you visit the tattoo studio, cook a meal that’s protein-rich with plenty of eggs, fish or red meat. Protein helps with recovery, so it’s a great way to prepare for the procedure ahead. If you want to snack during the tattooing process, consider packing some healthy foods such as nuts or fruit to fight any hunger pangs you might get while sitting in the chair. What To Take Before Getting A Tattoo.

Do and don’ts after tattoo?

How painful is getting a tattoo?

How bad do tattoos hurt? – There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you’ll feel when getting tattooed. But if you’re wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

  • “Long periods of irritation and tenderness are what make you feel any discomfort,” Caranfa says;
  • “The sensation of a tattoo needle is very dull compared to a syringe [and needle], it isn’t the needle that causes discomfort as much as it is prolonged tenderness of being tattooed;

” Importantly, different people will report varying experiences of pain based on their individual nervous systems and pain thresholds , says Channelle Charest , a California-based tattoo artist and Co-founder of tattoo scheduling platform Tatstat. Other factors that could affect pain during tattooing include:

  • Age: Studies suggest aging decreases your pain sensitivity , meaning elderly people might experience less pain when getting tattooed. Researchers have yet to determine why this happens but note that the size of parts of the brain that process pain decreases with age.
  • Sex: People who are biologically female are more likely to experience greater pain intensity, a lower pain threshold, and a lower tolerance for induced pain compared to people who are biologically male. However, research is still emerging.
  • Psychological expectations : If you go into a tattoo expecting it to be an excruciating experience, this might affect how much pain you actually feel. Studies suggest that people who feel anxious about and “catastrophize” pain before a procedure often experience higher levels of pain intensity and distress than people with “neutral” pain expectations.

Fortunately, most of the discomfort you feel while getting tattooed will end when your tattoo artist puts down the tattoo gun. “The sensation is only when the needle is in you,” Caranfa says, adding that while it’s typical to experience some soreness, swelling, and itchiness in the days after getting tattooed, it’s “not debilitating.

How much do you tip a tattoo artist?

How Much to Tip – If you decide to tip, the next step is to calculate exactly how much to add to the final tattoo price. The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip — just like at a restaurant or a hair salon.

  • However, consider this number a baseline, as some tattoos require more or less work than others;
  • Just like there is no one tattoo experience or price, there’s no one-size-fits-all tipping option;
  • “The more you spend on the tattoo, the more you should tip, as they are putting more work into the piece,” says Fiore;

Weed, however, notes that there is one thing that every tattoo experience needs to have to warrant a tip: It needs to be great. Your artist is putting time into the behind-the-scenes of your tattoo, but it’s also their responsibility to ensure you’re comfortable and having a good time while it’s happening.

Should I take paracetamol before a tattoo?

These days everyone’s got tatt. But ink-collector Anita Bhagwandas has an unpopular opinion on who should and shouldn’t go under the needle. Change arrives with a whisper. When I first started working in magazines, I’d watch my editors in picture meetings poring over the beautiful photographs from lavish shoots.

Suddenly, they’d all baulk with fright because a model’s tiny swallow tattoo was apparent and would now simply have to be airbrushed out. Nostrils flared at that ‘silly girl’ and abrasive pen scribbles surrounded the offending ink in red lassoes.

There was resolutely no subtext here – tattoos were not ‘aspirational’. Nor were they to be celebrated, tolerated or admired as a form of beauty. Fast forward less than ten years, and everything has changed. Now, some of the most sought-after fashion and beauty models are very visibly tattooed, such as Freja Beha Erichsen, Cara Delevigne and Alice Dellal.

Even the hint of airbrushing their ink away would result in the cancellation of their bookings. Their body art is part of their look. Tattooed models have the result of giving conservative brands an edge and now body ink really is everywhere.

Posh girls have them, the coolest women about have them and chances are, you might too. But as there is so much confusion over tattoos now that they’re uber fashionable – so I’m volunteering to dive in, tackle it and get real about body ink- no feelings spared, sorry.

  • TATT FACT 1 – Not everyone should get one I don’t have a vested interest in selling tattoos as a concept (although I do have seven);
  • Hell, I actually think you shouldn’t get one, and here’s why;
  • I’ve lost count of the number of people who utter these bewildering words: ‘I really want a tattoo, but I don’t know what to get;

‘ These people – and you may know one of them – don’t actually want a tattoo. They probably just want a new piece of jewellery. Because if you did want one (like, if you really These are all good, normal things when thinking about a tattoo, especially a larger piece.

Tracy D, my tattoo artist, agrees. ‘It’s a warning sign to me when people don’t know what they want when they arrive, because ideally, you should have thought about it six months or so before you get the work done,’ she says.

‘After all, a tattoo is a permanent decision- you do need to be sure. If you’re just getting one on a whim or for fashion, you may regret it, and removal both hurts and costs,’ she adds. That’s not to say you should know precisely how it will look  that’s the artist’s job.

When I visited Tracy for my newest foot piece (we filmed the excruciating process on marieclaire. co. uk just for you) and she took my half-baked ideas (a skull, a old fashioned stopwatch and some roses) and made them into a beautiful design.

The people who don’t know what they want, who walk into shops and pick a design from a book? They’re the regretters. Don’t become one of them – honestly, just don’t have a tatt done in the first place, k? What To Take Before Getting A Tattoo TATT FACT 2 – Don’t get one if you’re actually a bit prissy The other factor that stops women getting tattoos is their wedding day. It’s the one day in your entire life that revolves around professing your supposed innocence and virgin-like qualities and naturally, tattoos don’t always fit in with that image. Radio presenter Katie Parsons ardently disagrees and made her large tattoo a part of her wedding day.

‘I actively chose a dress that showed off my prominent chest piece, because `I love it and it’s part of me. If I had hidden it, I’d felt less like myself’, she says. That’s the point – if you love tattoos, tattoo art and the culture around them you’ll get them anyway, you’d choose the enjoyment that comes from your ink over anything.

Covering them up on the big day is your choice entirely – after all, it’s your day. But if your main concern about getting a tattoo in the first place is whether it will ruin your wedding photos (that’s just one day in your life, people) then don’t get one.

  1. Frankly, not only will you regret it, but frankly you don’t deserve one;
  2. Soz;
  3. TATT FACT 3 – You’re not a wuss if you cry a little when you get one Tattoos hurt- and they’re meant to;
  4. The process is like being spared by dozen of tiny little angry soldiers for hours on end;
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Admittedly, if you cry during a weeny little tattoo, you need to readdress the state of your life, but anything big – we’re talking over 40 minutes  will probably hurt like a bitch. And the worst places to get them? Your feet (utterly, indescribable agony), ribs (okay, after 30 minutes it feels like somebody is forcibly stabbing your heart) and wrist (feels like your wrist bone will come jutting out in protest at any minute).

  • ‘Other painful places are your neck, the bottom of the back, elbows and inner arms’, says Tracy;
  • ‘Taking a couple of paracetamol an hour or so before your tattoo can help, but pain is part of the process, so after a certain point, you just have to del with it;

‘  If you’re having a big design done, it’s worth checking that your artist has numbing spray to use in-between and take a mate/ iPad with you for a little distraction. Apart from that, you just have to woman up. No pain, no gain – we know this from childbirth, no? TATT FACT 4 – The perfect artist won’t come looking for you Like all the best things (suitable men, matte-red lipsticks and tights that don’t fall down), you have to go out and pursue the perfect one.

The same is true of great tattoo artists – you need to put in some effort and do the research (it is fun, though, on the plus side). Most artists can do the more basic designs or scripts, but if you’re after a certain style or signature design, then it’s worth looking further afield for a truly amazing piece.

The easiest way to do this is to head to a tattoo convention – they’re held all over the UK, but the biggest are in London in September 2016 and Brighton in April 2016. They’ll feature artists from across the globe, so you can get inspiration, find the right artist for you, or even book in ahead of time to be tattooed by them there and then.

  • It’s the best way to see all the styles and techniques- such as old school, abstract, Polynesian or Japanese – to make your art truly perfect;
  • It’s also teaming with smoking hot people – just sayin’;
  • TATT FACT 5 – Being old with tattoos is better being old without them One of the things that outs people off tattoos is what they’ll look like when they’re older;

Here’s a really simple experiment. Type ‘old people’ into Google. Depressing, right? You’re now wondering what the point is in anything, when life is just a sleigh-ride into a nursing home until you’re being force fed mushed up food. Now, type ‘old people with tattoos’ into Google.

Badass, much? Youthful looking? Free-inspired and inspirational? Right – that one’s sorted. Plus, when you’re 90, you’ll be more concerned with spasmodic incontinence than a bit of ink on your skin. TATT FACT 6 – Other people will think your tattoos are their business So you’ve got a tattoo- or you’re about to get one.

You need to prepare yourself for this – your tattoo is now public property. Well, in reality it isn’t – it’s yours alone. But in the eyes of the scornful woman sat next to you on the bus, or disapproving ‘tsk-er’ on the train platform it is. Sometimes they’ll be positive (this should always be the case but, sadly, there are more than a few ignorant douchebags out there).

But, sometimes it will be entirely inappropriate – like having a tattoo means you enjoy being offended. The truth? Tattoos have always been a far bigger deal to those who don’t have them than to those who do, so here are some standard responses to learn.

Behold: A: ‘What does it mean?’ B: ‘I just wanted it. ‘ A: ‘Won’t you regret that in the future?’ B: ‘No more than you’ll regret that putrid hair colour. Also the future won’t exist because, in 15 to 20 years, we’ll all be cyborgs living in a pseudo reality, anyway.

‘ A: ‘I’m sorry, tattoos just look cheap. B: So does your Prada ‘inspired’ tote. SS14 – fact. A: I just hate them. B: ‘I’m not hugely keen on you face. Could you kindly turn away before I projectile hurl my Cheerios all over you?  At the end of the day, whether you get one or not is your call and I hope you do, because they’re beautiful, addictive and undeniably inspiring.

Watch me being tattooed (PAIN) and watch a mini-documentary about professional; women who are proudly rocking their ink in our film  Behind The Ink ..

Can I take painkillers after tattoo?

Can I take pain meds or have a little drink before my tattoo? – We cannot tattoo someone who is intoxicated, so drinking alcohol or partaking in other drugs before your tattoo is not advised. In general, over-the-counter pain medications do little to nothing to help with the pain you might experience while getting a tattoo, plus Aspirin and other NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc, have at least some blood-thinning qualities to them.

  1. Aspirin is most effective at thinning blood so we recommend you not take aspirin at least 1 day before your tattoo;
  2. It is generally considered OK to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve pain or swelling from the tattoo AFTER the tattoo is done – However it is important for us to mention that we are not medically trained and cannot legally prescribe any medicines or diagnose health concerns;

Please consult your doctor for advice if you’re concerned about this. So what about prescription drugs? Some prescription pain medications can technically intoxicate you to the point where you will not be as alert or in control of your body as you would normally be, so we don’t advocate their use.

How Much Should U Tip a tattoo artist?

How Much to Tip Tattoo Artists – Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast rule governing how much to tip tattoo artists. As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done.

So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that’s $240. That said, you can tip more or less, depending on several factors. For one thing, your willingness to tip will depend on how pleased you are with their work.

If you don’t like the work, it makes sense that you would want to tip less. That’s up to you. But keep in mind that a tattoo is a piece of art you wear on your body for personal expression. The tattoo artist makes your vision a reality on your skin. Choosing the right tattoo artist is as important as choosing the right tattoo.

Do your research, first. Don’t be afraid to ask people with great ink where they got it done. Chances are they’d love to tell you about their tattoo artist and the experiences they had with them. Another reason you might tip less or choose not to tip at all is because of a bad experience.

But, like any service-based industry, it’s not just the artist’s attitude that’s a big deal. You want to be treated with dignity and respect, but so does your tattoo artist. Tipping is a part of that, but so is showing up on time and being ready for your appointment.

In most instances, tipping is appropriate and encouraged. While you can tip less than 15%, try to avoid it. Good work should be recognized, and being broke is no excuse not to tip. If you don’t have the money to tip your artist, rethink getting tattooed until you can.

Or, ask your artist if they’d be interested in being tipped in goods or services if you run your own business and can float a sweet freebie their way in lieu of cash. Tipping in cash is fine. That way your tattoo artist gets the entirety of the tip and avoids any service fees or taxes.

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If adding your tip to a credit or debit transaction, add a bit more to cover those fees. The best time to tip is after your appointment when you’re paying for your services. If your tattoo artist isn’t the person checking you out, just hit them up afterward with a thank you and, “This is for you.

” They’ll appreciate it. Remember, you’re tipping them based on their professionalism and the quality of their work, so there’s nothing wrong with waiting to make sure you’re pleased with the experience before you tip. You also don’t need to let your tattooer know you’re tipping, but it’s not a bad idea.

That way they know you didn’t accidentally overpay them or think they owe you change. In some rare instances, a tattooer might not accept tips if they’re the owner of the shop, but that’s very unlikely to be the case.

There’s no reason to ask your artist about tipping if you plan on tipping them with cash. And, most credit card interfaces offer prompts for adding tips as part of the check-out process, making it even easier. Gratuities are part of the tattoo experience so don’t feel awkward or uncomfortable about them. What To Take Before Getting A Tattoo.

How long before a tattoo should you put numbing cream on?

This information is for both tattooERS and tattooEES. Because really the tattooing process involves at least two people. Most of the time. Sometimes it also involves three people, but that’s usually not as fun as it sounds. Kinda awkward actually. Planning ahead  means less pain and frustration for everyone involved.

  • It might sound like overkill to start this process an hour before the tattoo begins, but it’s worth it! You’ll need to apply the cream to dry, unwashed skin at least 45 minutes before the tattoo begins;

Forty-five minutes may seem like a long time, but remember that the anesthetic needs to fully penetrate the top layers of skin and get to the subdermal layer — that’s where the needle and ink is going. Don’t forget to wear a glove  while applying the cream. Unless you want to recreate the chili scene from The Office because you can’t feel a dang thing after having anesthetized your own hand. If you would like to recreate Kevin’s chili scene from The Office , please have someone record that and send it to me because I’d really love to see it! Heck, I’ll even give you a COUPON  toward your next purchase of numbing cream if you send me the video.

  • Just make sure you don’t hurt yourself;
  • That would suck, and I’d probably feel bad after laughing hysterically , but I’d still give you the coupon;
  • Okay, back to the numbing cream! Don’t rub the cream in like a lotion;

Anesthetic cream might feel like a lotion, but it has a completely different purpose, so it needs to be applied differently. Put it on so it’s thick enough that you can see it sitting on your skin. What To Take Before Getting A Tattoo Make sure you cover the entire area that’s going to be tattooed, overlapping by about an inch all around. After you’ve applied the cream, cover the whole area with plastic wrap, such as Saran Wrap. If the cream dries out, it won’t work as well, so make sure the plastic wrap stays where it’s supposed to be to get the full anesthetic effect. When it’s time for the tattoo process to begin, unwrap and wash the skin using whatever soap the artist prefers. Make sure to wash the skin thoroughly, otherwise the cream can interfere with the stencil, making it too easy to wash off. The anesthetics we sell at Bloody Wolf Tattoo Supply don’t interfere with the tattooing process, but please beware of knock-off anesthetic creams.

They can cause infection, scarring, the ink can actually be pushed out of your skin. Even if you decide not to buy your anesthetic cream from us, please make sure you’re buying from a reputable source such as DrNumb.

com or AnestenCream. com. It’ll cost you more to buy cream from legit sources rather than eBay or Amazon, but doing so means you can rest assured that you won’t get an infection and that your tattoo won’t be damaged. The anesthetic will last about 4 hours for most people. The silver lining here is that redheads often have a higher pain tolerance than the rest of us, so that’s awesome! If the anesthetic effect starts to wear off during the tattoo process, take a break. Don’t wash the skin again with soap and water — this will make your skin more sensitive and actually neutralize some of the anesthetics. That’s not a good thing. Instead apply more anesthetic cream directly onto the skin. Don’t worry about the ink and blood on the skin.

Redheaded individuals will find that the anesthetic doesn’t work as well for them. Anesthetic cream doesn’t care about ink and blood. Let it sit for a couple minutes before washing the skin once again, and then you can get right back to tattooing! If you’re an artist interested in using anesthetic cream and you tattoo wet, consider swapping out your glide of choice for the anesthetic cream.

Some artists don’t like the way it makes the skin feel, but it won’t interfere with the tattooing process and it keeps the skin “wet” much like glides do while keeping the customer good and numbed up. After the tattoo is finished, start aftercare as per your artist’s normal instructions. Make sure you wash the cream off after 20 minutes. No need to cover with plastic. It may sound a little gruesome, but your skin is already open and the cream will easily make its way down to the areas of pain because you recently had thousands of holes poked into your skin, opening the way for the cream to do its job.

If you’d like more pain relief, feel free to apply a very thin layer of anesthetic cream to the tattoo once or twice daily. Lovely thought, I know, but hey, the end result is you have a beautiful tattoo, so don’t worry about the details that sound like they’re straight out of a HORROR movie.

If you have any questions about anesthetic creams or anything else tattoo-related, please feel free to comment below or send a message to the shop through our website or any of our social media accounts. I’d be happy to help you out! Bunny .