Tattoo After Care
INFORMATION
Please be sure to read through all aftercare steps before beginning step one.
Step 1
After your tattoo is complete it will be wrapped with a waterproof protective bandage. Please try to keep this bandage on for 4-8 days (the longer the better). During this phase, feel free to go on with normal activities, however, please avoid excessive sweating and direct sunlight to the tattoo area. Note that minor plasma pooling, itchiness, and redness of skin under the bandage are normal. If you notice significant leaking or pooling of plasma under the skin, remove the bandage and start step 2.
Step 2
With clean hands, remove your protective bandage slowly (doing it underwater may help). The bandage may peel off some dead surface layer skin, this is normal and will not affect your tattoo. Once the bandage is removed wash your tattoo under warm water. Use non-scented antibacterial soap and gently wash the surface of the skin, use only your clean hand to rub the tattoo with soap and water. Once your tattoo is freshly cleaned, use a sanitary towel to dab dry. Let air dry for 15-30 mins then continue to step 3.
Step 3
With a freshly cleaned and dried tattoo apply a very thin layer of a listed healing ointment (see below) to the tattoo. Be sure not to apply a heavy amount, this may affect the healing process of the tattoo. Continue to apply a very thin layer of ointment to the area whenever dry. Use ointment for the first 3-5 days of healing. Repeat Steps 2 and 3, two times a day or as needed.
Step 4
Expect minor peeling of skin, this will continue until the layer of dead skin has peeled away. The peeling skin may appear black or colored due to the ink, this is normal and will not affect the tattoo. Redness, soreness, warmth, itchiness, and minor plasma leaking are normal and will go away with time and proper care. As the tattoo starts to heal you may notice minor scabbing, please do not pick at it, instead apply moisturizer to soften and heal.
Step 5
During the healing process please be conscious of the things that may come in contact with your tattoo. As an open wound, it's important to keep it very clean and sanitary. Avoid direct sunlight, water that is not clean (pool, ocean, lake, etc) thick lotions or makeup, direct massages on the area, or any other unsanitary action that may cause issues with the healing process.
Step 6
After weeks 3-4, your tattoo should be fully healed, but remember to continue to protect it from direct sunlight to ensure healing as well as long-lasting and bold characteristics. Although avoidable by following steps 1-5, If you notice any issues with the tattoo after 14 days it may be a sign of an infection, please your doctor to get further instructions.
Aftercare Product List
Antibacterial Soap
- Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap
- Any recommended fragrance and alcohol-free antibacterial soap
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Healing Ointment (use the ointment for the first 3 days)
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Hussle Butter Healing Ointment
- Any recommended non-vaseline-based healing ointments
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Moisturizer (for continual use)
- Lubriderm Daily Moisturizer fragrance-free
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizer
- Any recommended daily moisturizer (alcohol-free)
Disclaimer
Aftercare is entirely the client's responsibility. Tattoo procedures and tools used to complete the tattoo are in strict guidelines with state and federal standards. When the tattoo leaves the studio it will be clean and protected in a sanitary wrap. Please note that if your tattoo doesn't heal properly due to poor aftercare the artist will not be responsible and any touchups will be an additional charge. The better you take care of your healing tattoo, the better your tattoo will turn out. Please be aware that infections, allergic reactions, and scarring are all possibilities of any tattoo. These negative possibilities increase if proper aftercare procedures are not fully followed. Please consult your doctor if you have any major issues with the healing of your tattoo.