Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your new/healing tattoo!
- Remove your saran wrap after 3-4 hours, then gently wash your tattoo.
- Using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap (any dial antibacterial or dial gold is recommended) use your fingers to gently cleanse the area, removing any ointment, blood, ink, and plasma. DO NOT USE washcloths, loofahs, or anything abrasive.
- When drying your tattoo, use a clean, disposable paper towel. Let air dry or gently pat the area dry—DO NOT wipe or rub!
- For the first couple of days, apply a VERY thin layer of aquaphor once the area is dry. A little goes a long way. If you can see it on top of the skin, you can always blot the excess with a clean and dry paper towel.
- Avoid over-applying ointments, as excessive application can hinder the healing process by suffocating the tattoo and creating an overly moist environment. This can promote bacterial growth, and your tattoo needs to stay hydrated while also being able to breathe.
- Never apply new ointment over old ointment. Always clean the area again before applying a fresh layer.
- This washing routine is recommended 2-3 times a day for the first 3-4 days, or, until your tattoo begins to peel.
Peeling Stage
- Peeling is a normal and expected part of the healing process.
- Once your tattoo starts peeling, much like a sunburn, switch from ointment to a light, unscented lotion like Lubriderm to keep your tattoo hydrated instead. Most “dermatologist recommended” unscented lotions, such as cerave, will do as well.
- Peeling and flakiness can be uncomfortable and itchy. DO NOT pick or scratch the area. If your tattoo itches, gently tap it. If it’s peeling, apply lotion to soothe the skin.
- Your tattoo should not try to scab up. If it does, you may be keeping it too dry. If it scabs, DO NOT PICK AT IT and continue to moisturize until it also peels or flakes off naturally.
Second Skin Aftercare
- Keep the bandage on for no more than 24-48 hours.
- When removing the bandage, do so in the shower under warm, running water, peel off slowly and away from you.
- Wash thoroughly with clean hands and using dial antibacterial soap. The skin should no longer feel slimy or have any visible buildup such as blood, ink, or plasma.
- Gently pat the area dry with a paper towel or let air dry, and begin the cleaning/moisturizing routine mentioned above in traditional aftercare.
Other things to note-
- If you experience any irritation or allergic reaction from the bandage, remove it and wash the area thoroughly.
- If plasma or blood begins to dry under the bandage, it starts leaking, or it comes up and the tattoo is exposed, this indicates a broken seal, and you should remove the bandage, cleanse the area, and begin aftercare right away.
Water and Sun Exposure
- You can shower with your new tattoo, but avoid submerging it in water, such as baths, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, or pools. Submerging the tattoo can cause damage and increase the risk of infection.
- It’s best to avoid submersion for a minimum of 2-3 weeks after getting your tattoo. If you still think it still might be healing, it probably is.
- Sun exposure can quickly ruin a new tattoo. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight, especially during the healing stage, and try to avoid sun exposure completely for at least one month. After the tattoo is fully healed, make sure you apply sunscreen when in the sun!
- Avoid tanning or using tanning beds while your tattoo is healing.
- If you suspect an infection at any point, seek medical attention.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or the shop!