Aftercare

Right after

Hell yeah you did it! If you tattoo is bandaged with a temporary wrap (usually clingfilm) remove your bandage after 1-3hrs.

Gently wash your tattoo with the palm of your hand under warm water with anti-bacterial soap (I like Dial Gold).

Let your tattoo fully air dry (do not dry with a towel) and apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.

If you have 2nd skin or an adhesive bandage, you can leave it on for 3-4 days. Make sure to keep an eye on the bandage in the first couple hours, if it leeks or peels or iritation occurs. Remove the 2nd skin and start aftercare instructions in day 1-3.

Day 1-3

If your are using a 2nd skin bandage and it peels enough to expose your tattoo, or leaks. Take off your bandage and start these steps

Wash your tattoo in in the morning and night (or anytime the cleanliness of your tattoo had been compromised) with antibacterial soap

Then let it air dry (no towel).

With clean hands, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor 3 times a day. (only for days 1-3)

Common mistakes:

You don’t want your tattoo to be over moisturized, as it can lead to scabbing.

Make sure your tattoo is fully dry before you put the ointment on and that you use a thin layer.

If you notice irritation or an allergic reaction to Aquaphor, discontinue use.

dAY 4-7

Wash your tattoo in the morning and night with an antibacterial soap (Dial)

Instead of using ointment, with clean hands, moisturize your tattoo with a fragrance and dye free lotion ( I like lubriderm)

It is totally normal for your tattoo to become itchy, make sure not to scratch it.

Day 7-until healed

It usually takes 4 weeks for the outer layers of your tattooed skin to be fully healed. Keep your tattoo clean, moisturized and out of the sun.

Whats Normal?

Your tattoo will be sore for the first few days, and can remain red, show signs of bruising. and otherwise be slightly unhappy.

This is normal.

Abnormal swelling, signs of puss, severe discoloration of the skin around the tattoo, or fever are NOT normal and may be signs of an infection. Should this occur, GO TO YOUR DOCTOR.

Only a doctor can help with an infection that requires antibiotics.

 FAQs

  • I usually recomend leaving your 2nd skin adhesive bandage on for 3-4 days.

    UNLESS

    Your 2nd skin bandage leeks or peels enough to expose your tattoo. Then immediately take off your bandage, wash with an antibacterial soap and start you regular aftercare.

    OR

    If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction to the adhesive

  • With clean hands under running water, pull down on the top corner of your 2nd skin.

    Make sure to pull in the direction of your hair growth.

    I like to say “pull like a command strip”

  • I usually recommend waiting 4 weeks.

    That way the top layer of your skin can be fully healed in order to reduce the risk of infection

  • I personally like to say 2 weeks, but if you don’t want to wait that long a minimum of 48-72 hours.

    Gyms are great but that can harbor bacteria like staph. Make sure not to rub a healing tattoo on any shared gym machines or equipment.

  • If you have any questions big or small, feel free to shoot me a message. I check instagram fairly frequently and email once or twice a week.

    Your tattoo will be sore for the first few days, and can remain red, show signs of bruising. and otherwise be slightly unhappy. This is normal.

    Abnormal swelling, signs of puss, severe discoloration of the skin around the tattoo, or fever are not normal and may be signs of an infection.

    Should this happens go to a doctor. Incase of infection that requires antibiotics, or a rejection or negative reaction to ink.