Tattoo Aftercare
Healing Tattoos Traditionally
Keep the plastic bandage on until you’re able to wash the tattoo in a clean environment or for a few hours. You can leave it on overnight, but it is important for your tattoo to get oxygen to heal properly.
Use Dial antibacterial soap with lukewarm water and gently scrub the tattoo for 30 seconds. Pat try with a clean paper towel or let air dry. Apply a very small amount of ointment and pat the excess with clean paper towel. For ointment, I recommend using AfterInked, Aquaphor, H2Ocean's Aquatat or Hustle Butter (Never dip dirty hands into ointment container, this can lead to cross contamination).
Repeat the process above 2-3 times a day until you notice your tattoo is peeling/flaking.
During the peeling process you’ll need to switch to a light lotion. I recommend unscented lotions such as AfterInked, H2Ocean's lotion, CeraVe or Hustle Butter. Apply a light layer with clean hands 2-3 times a day.
After a week, apply lotion 1-2 times a day or as needed.
Healing Tattoos with Second Skin
I recommend leaving on the second skin for up to a day, you can request another sheet of second skin if you wish to reapply to keep it on longer for an additional charge. It is important that when you take off the bandage to wash your hands and to stretch the second skin horizontally instead of pulling it away from you. Stretching the bandage not only ensure that you won't damage your healing tattoo but it will make removing it relatively painless.
After removing the bandage use Dial antibacterial soap with lukewarm water and gently scrub the tattoo for 30 seconds. Pat try with a clean paper towel. Apply a very small amount of ointment and pat the excess with clean paper towel.
Repeat the process above 2-3 times a day until you notice your tattoo is peeling/flaking.
During the peeling process you’ll need to switch to a light lotion. Apply a light layer with clean hands 2-3 times a day. After a week, apply lotion 1-2 times a day or as needed.
If you're reapplying another layer please be sure to make sure the tattoo and surrounding area are completely clean/ free of any ointment. Let your tattoo be completely dry and then apply the second skin.
You can also purchase second skin at your local pharmacy. I recommend NEXCARE Tagaderm.
*Second skin can cause irritation so make sure to keep an eye on it through-out the healing process. If you notice ANY irritation or redness surrounding the bandage, please remove immediately and follow the traditional healing method.*
Additional Info
The outer layer of skin heals for about 2-3 weeks, second layer (where the tattoo sits) heals in about 6 months.
Do not touch your tattoo with dirty hands (hands are clean after scrubbing for 30 seconds with warm water and antibacterial soap)
Never use a used/dirty towel to dry your tattoo. Always pat dry with a paper towel or a clean towel if paper towels are not available.
***Please don’t pick or scratch at your healing tattoo.***
Only apply a very LIGHT LAYER of ointment. Tattoos need to breathe in order to heal properly.
Over cleaning can be just as harmful as not cleaning it at all. Make sure to limit the times you clean your tattoo to 2-3 times a day.
Wear breathable loose clothing over your tattoo if you’re in an environment where you’re more likely to get dirty.
Avoid submerging your tattoo in water for 2-3 weeks (No taking baths or swimming). Shower once a day to keep the surrounding clean. Avoid using body wash and loofahs on your new tattoo, only use antibacterial soap and clean hands.
In order to promote good healing on your new tattoo, I recommend sleeping in clean sheets and wearing clean/loose clothing.
If your clothing gets stuck to your tattoo, do not peel it off dry! Make sure to soak in warm water and let soak for a few minutes. If still stuck repeat this process and immediately clean your tattoo.
Tattoos will usually be a bit swollen, ooze clear plasma and be red for a few days following the initial session, this is all normal. With that being said, they can still get infected even after you leave the shop so make sure to keep them clean and protected as they heal. If you notice the swelling and redness getting worse after a week please message me or seek medical attention.
Keeping your tattoo moisturized and using sun block daily after healing will protect your tattoo from aging poorly.
Thank you!