AN IMPORTANT GUIDE TO HEALING YOUR NEW TATTOO
TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS IN THREE EASY PARTS
TO ENSURE YOUR NEW TATTOO HEALS PERFECTLY
1. FIRST 24-48 HOURS AFTER COMPLETION!
After I wrap up your project for the day, I will cover it with a plastic wrap along with some ointment on the tattoo. This covering protects your new tattoo from bacteria and other contaminated elements that might come into contact with your tattoo.
· I use a traditional bandage, a sterile piece of saran wrap, to cover your new tattoo. If you prefer a second-skin type bandage, I also supply that type of wrap as well!
· Leave this wrap on for the first hour or two at most. If we used a second-skin type bandage then you’ll be leaving said bandage on for three days.
· When you remove the wrap/second-skin type bandage, give it a wash with warm water along with a fragrance-free soap.
· Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
· Wash your hands and apply a THIN layer ointment, such as A&D ointment, Aquaphor, other types of tattoo-oriented healing balms like Mad Rabbit, Hustle Butter, etc. to the tattoo. This layer should be so thin that there should be a small shine from the ointment.
· Repeat this process a few times a day as needed for the next 48 hours.
2. THE FIRST 2-3 WEEKS OF HEALING!
· When showering, wash and cleanse the tattoo with a mild soap and gently wash the area.
· After the first two days you may switch to a fragrance-free lotion. Moisturizing a few times a day is plenty. Keep the amount of lotion minimal, keeping it thin will ensure that the tattoo can breathe throughout the healing process.
THINGS TO AVOID:
· Avoid picking or scratching at the tattoo, your skin will be rejuvenating over the next 14 days and will be itchy. Keep moisturizing the area with the lotion and this will limit the itchiness.
· Avoid direct sun exposure to the tattooed area, and avoid submerging the tattoo under water or any chlorinated water (NO hot tubs, pools, baths, ocean swimming etc.) until the tattoo in fully healed and settled.
· Avoid tight clothing, we want to avoid irritation or rubbing against the tattooed area.
· Avoid shaving the tattooed area until fully healed.
3. NOW LET’S KEEP THAT NEW TATTOO LOOKING GREAT!
· Now that your tattoo is healed and settled, this usually takes around a month’s time, let’s keep it looking tight!
· Moisturizing the area once a day does wonders for vibrancy and sharpness.
· If you like the beach like I do, always throw sunscreen on those healed tattoos, a high SPF is best.
· Avoid long periods of direct sunlight, a ton of sun exposure fades the vibrancy of the tattoo over time.
Every artist or collector might have a specific routine that they suggest for healing a tattoo, I believe this is what works best for my work and also myself when I collect a new piece!
AFTERCARE FAQ!
MY TATTOO IS PEELING AND FLAKING OFF, IS THIS NORMAL?!
· Yes! Completely normal, some clients do peel and flake a little more than others but this is the skin’s way of rejuvenating and all a part of the healing process!
· Avoid picking and scratching the tattooed area in the healing process, use fragrance-free lotion to moisturize the tattoo to reduce flakiness and itchiness.
I JUST GOT TATTOOED; CAN I WORK OUT AT THE GYM?!
· Yes! You can, BUT try to avoid excessive sweating, tight clothing rubbing against the tattoo, touching the tattoo with unwashed hands or equipment.
I THINK MY TATTOO MIGHT HAVE GOT INFECTED, WHAT SHOULD I DO?!
· Things to look out for during the healing process would be unexpected redness, rash, tenderness, or swelling. An unexpected drainage at the site of the tattoo, an unexpected fever within 24 hours of receiving a tattoo would all require a licensed doctor visit to ensure you’re getting this matter treated and antibiotics prescribed.
HOW SHOULD I SLEEP WITH A NEW TATTOO?!
· Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo to avoid rubbing in your sleep.
· Keep your tattoo un-wrapped from the bandage you had taken off earlier and let it breathe.
· Try to avoid sticking the tattoo to the bedsheets, may cause irritation and redness.