Tattoo Aftercare-
- Leave your bandage on for 2-3 hours. When you get home, wash your hands and remove the bandage.
- Wash your new tattoo with a dye-free/scent-free soap for 3-4 minutes under warm/hot water to remove any ink residue and plasma buildup.
- Rinse the tattoo under cold water for 1-2 minutes. This will close your pores, as well as help with any swelling.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. For the first day and half or two, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.
- Continue this routine 4-5 times a day or as needed to prevent any plasma buildup from drying out and forming a scab.
- As the tattoo heals, the skin will begin to knit together and feel tight. At this time you can switch from the Aquaphor and begin applying a dye-free/scent-free lotion to the tattoo after washing it. It is important to let the tattoo air dry 5-10 minutes after washing it before applying any lotion. Apply a very thin layer of lotion and massage it into the tattoo as you would lotion your hands or face; there is no need to over-apply or for the surface to be wet or tacky, you will only attract dirt, dust, and bacteria. Dab off any excess lotion with a clean paper towel.
- Your new tattoo will begin to peel after 3-5 days, and it will peel for about a week. It is important that you do not pull off the flakes, as this may result in holes in the color. It may also begin to itch as the new skin heals. Do not scratch it, washing the tattoo and applying lotion will help with the itching. Let any flakes of skin or scabbing fall off naturally.
- DURING THE HEALING PROCESS, REFRAIN FROM EXCESS ACTIVITY WHICH WILL HAVE YOU COMING INTO CONTACT WITH OTHER BODIES OR BODILY FLUIDS. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO GOING TO THE GYM, PLAYING SPORTS, AND EXCESSIVE YARD WORK. EXERCISE INCREASES YOUR HEARTRATE, THINNING YOUR BLOOD AND RESULTS IN EXCESS SEEPAGE FROM THE TATTOO. REFRAIN IF POSSIBLE. DO NOT SUBMERSE THE TATTOO IN ANY WATER DURING THE HEALING PROCESS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BATHS, POOLS, SPAS, HOT TUBS, SAUNAS, OR THE BEACH. KEEP YOUR NEW TATTOO COVERED WITH CLOTHING AND OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS.
- I hate caps lock as much as anybody, but the above information is very important to ensure the best possible heal. Any touchups required as a result of neglegence during the healing process will incure a charge to repair. Otherwise, I will cover the cost of all other touchups.
- As always, should you have any question, please call me at the shop. I am here to help you.
