Welcome to Zen Tattoo, a beacon of artistry and safety in the heart of Salt Lake City since 2009. Our studio is more than just a place for tattoos; it's a haven where creativity meets precision and where every client's wellbeing is our top priority.
Zen Tattoo is owned by artists Thai Le and Mark Lettig, who had a vision to transcend the traditional tattoo experience. From the beginning, they set out to create not just a studio but a sanctuary where the ancient art of tattooing is celebrated and modern safety standards are rigorously upheld. Over the years, we've become a landmark in the city, known for our exceptional artistry and unwavering commitment to client care.
At Zen Tattoo, your safety is our paramount concern. We adhere to the highest standards of cleanliness and sterilization, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for every client. Our studio is equipped with state-of-the-art sterilization technology, and we follow strict protocols to maintain a sterile workspace. Each artist is trained in best practices for hygiene and cross-contamination prevention, so you can relax knowing you're in safe hands.
Before Your Tattoo
Walk-ins: Always welcome based on first-come-first-serve availability.
Minors: Must be over 16 and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with a valid photo ID.
Safety: Do not ingest any substances that may intoxicate you or make you bleed excessively, such as alcohol, aspirin, or blood-thinning medications.
Attire: Please wear a tank top, cut-off t-shirt, or loose shorts if your leg is getting tattooed (don’t forget underwear😂).
Hygiene: Please shower before, but do not use any lotion on the area to be tattooed.
Skin Prep: Shave the area to be tattooed, but careful not to cut yourself!
Breaks: Bring a lunch and drink for long sittings. We will take a 15 break in the middle of the session. There is also a McDonald’s next door.
Nourishment: Make sure to eat before your sitting! You may otherwise become lightheaded or even pass out during the sitting if you are undernourished.
Phone Usage: Avoid excessive use of your phone and apps/games that have a lot of flashing lights. There’s no “eraser” if you suddenly move.
Payment: Please bring cash. We also accept Zelle (preferred), Apple Pay, and PayPal. (We do not accept Venmo or credit/debit cards).
Guests: Do not bring any guests (it’s pretty dull watching someone get tattooed).
Deposit: Your required deposit is non-refundable to secure all of your future appts, and will not go toward the tattoo as it is for drawing and prep time. You will lose your deposit if you cancel less than 48 hours before the appt.
Tips: Tipping is not required but very much appreciated, as is leaving a good review for us on Google and Yelp 🙏
Tattoo Aftercare
2-4 Hours After Your Tattoo: Remove the cellophane wrap (Saran Wrap) and wash your tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap (such as Dial). Clean all of the blood and lymph (clear, slimy stuff excreted from the tattoo).
Drying: Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Topical Treatment: Apply a thin coat of Aquaphor or Hustle Butter. Aquaphor can be found in most drugstores' first aid or baby section. Less is more; keep the layer thin. Over-applying will not allow your tattoo to breathe and can slow your healing.
Re-wrap: Wrap your tattoo with cellophane as it was done in the shop, for the first night ONLY. Sleeping without wrap on the first night may allow lint, hair, and other contaminants to enter the wound, and risk infection. Your tattoo will also weep the first night and may become stuck to your sheets, pillow, or clothing. If this occurs, DO NOT TEAR IT FREE. Apply warm water to the stuck area until it comes free without using any force, or you may risk damage to your new tattoo.
First Day
Washing: Continue to wash and dry your tattoo twice a day as instructed above, but do NOT wrap or bandage it.
Topical Treatment: Continue to use a thin coat of Aquaphor or Hustle Butter after washing your tattoo.
The Next 3-5 Days
Discontinue Use of Aquaphor: Your tattoo will begin to scab and flake. Don’t worry! This is totally normal and means your tattoo is healing up.
DO NOT PICK AT YOUR TATTOO! Let the scabs and lose skin fall off by themselves. Picking off scabs may result in damaging your tattoo and scarring.
Lotion: Apply a high-quality fragrance-free lotion such as Cetaphal 2-3 times a day or as needed.
After 3-5 Days
Lotion: Continue to use lotion as needed. Remember - Utah is the second most dry state in the country!
Direct Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight during this healing process. After your tattoo has completely healed, be sure to wear SPF or higher sunscreen to prevent your tattoo from premature fading.
Water Submersion & Excessive Sweating: Shower instead of taking a bath for the first two weeks. Do NOT submerge the tattoo in the ocean, pools, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, etc. Bacteria may infect your tattoo, and chlorine may damage it when healing. Avoid saunas during this period.
Tight Clothing: Let your tattoo breathe while it is healing, and avoid tight articles directly on it, such as bra straps, tight jeans, belts, etc.
The Following 2 Weeks
Book a Consultation
We’d love to hear more about the tattoo you’re planning.