Aftercare Instructions
You just got tattooed and now it's time to heal that baby! If you ever have questions or concerns about your healing tattoo please reach out to me!
Step 1 - Immediately at the end of your session:
Once we have finished tattooing your tattoo will be cleaned and bandaged for you to go home! The wrap can be removed immediately when you get home or left in for a few hours.
*Please note I do not typically use second skin (which is a clear plastic adhesive), if you are someone who loves second skin we can use it, but I ask that you don’t leave it on for more than 48 hours and ensure your remove it immediately if it looks like liquid is getting in!
Step 2 - Removing the bandage:
Always wash your hands before touching your FRESH tattoo (remember fresh tattoos are open wounds)
Once you have removed the bandage, wash the tattoo with a gentle, unscented soap, doing your best to remove any fluid from the surface.
Once washed either let the tattoo air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel, do not use a cloth towel as it can introduce lint onto the healing tattoo.
You will want to wash the tattoo morning and night for the first few days, until the tattoo begins flaking (aka scabbing). During this time you want to avoid moisturizer as the skin is still open and moisturizer could cause irritation.
Once the tattoo is flaking you just want to do your best to leave it alone and let your body heal. If the tattoo is feeling itchy during its flaky stage you can apply some moisturizer to help, but don’t apply moisturizer more than twice a day.
Things to avoid during healing:
During the healing process (first 10-14 days), it is important to avoid the following:
Direct sun exposure and tanning beds
Submerging the tattoo in water (long shower, saunas, sweating, swimming, etc)
Sleeping directly on the tattoo
Using Vasoline or Polysporin on the tattoo
DO NOT SCRATCH your fresh tattoo, this can greatly affect final results and ink retention