You got a tattoo!

Now let’s make sure you know how to care for it the best you can. If you ever have any questions about the healing process, do not hesitate to contact me through Instagram or my contact page. The main aftercare and healing process should last about two weeks. It might take a little less or more time depending on the tattoo. Fine line heals quick and highly saturated tattoos can take longer.

Wrappings and Bandages

Tegaderm (SecondSkin, Recovery, Saniderm) is a breathable and transparent dressing that protects a new tattoo from infection and irritation by creating a sterile barrier. It helps the tattoo heal smoothly by keeping it moisturized with plasma and preventing thick scabs. I recommend leaving on between 2-6 days. It is normal for fluids to leak from the tattoo and gather in a “bubble” under the bandage. If the seal breaks, and the tattoo is exposed to outside air/leaking, remove as soon as possible. Remove in shower after running warm/hot water on it for a few minutes, then pulling the tegaderm AWAY from the tattoo to release the adhesives. (Similar to a command strip). Wash tattoo with anti bacterial soap and pat dry/air dry with clean paper towels.

*ATTENTION: some people have an allergic reaction to the adhesive. If you experience extreme itchiness or discomfort remove immediately.

Short term bandage wraps. Leave on for at least four hours or until the following morning. Remove and wash tattoo with antibacterial soap and pat dry/air dry with clean paper towels.

Washing your tattoo

Your first wash happens right after you remove your bandage. Wash 1-3 times a day depending in how dirty the area gets. Use unscented antibacterial soap such as Dial gold, Dove or Dr. Bronners. Bar or liquid soap are both fine. Avoid applying the soap directly to the tattoo. Using your hands, get the soap sudsy and wash gently for about a minute. Rinse and air dry. Do not dry with hand towel. You can dap dry with a clean paper towel if you are in a hurry.

Moisturizing

Your body heals the tattoo not the lotion. The lotion is for keeping your skin from drying out too much and keeping the healing tattoo more comfortable. Apply unscented lotion 1-3 times a day. Apply very thin layer of lotion, your skin shouldn't be shinny. Less is more. Recommendation lotions are Cetaphil, Lubriderm and coconut oil. You can also use specific aftercare cream, but it does the same thing and costs way more. I don't recommend aquaphor or other petroleum based products. These are often applied too thickly and can suffocate the skin. However, if used correctly, they can be a great option especially for highly saturated tattoos.

Things to avoid!

-Submerging your tattoo in water. Swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas, etc. These WILL make your tattoo fade fast, heal poorly and greatly raises the risk of infection. Limit showers to 10-15 minutes.

-You need to wait at least a week/two weeks before partaking in strenuous exercise, the gym is a bacteria playground. Do some light cardio, yoga at home, etc. Don't be doing jiu jitsu on day three. You don’t want sweat gathering under your bandage either.

-The Sun. A sunburn will make your tattoo heal poorly. Do not put sunscreen on in the healing process, keep the tattoo covered by clothing. After it's healed use sunscreen as the sun will age the tattoo faster.

-Re-bandaging your tattoo. Unless given instruction by your artist, don't do this. It doesn't need it and if you don't clean it probably, you raise your chance of infection.

-Healing creams/balms and antibiotic ointments and creams. Don't use them. They make your tattoo heal poorly. However, if you have an infection seek professional help and follow their instruction. If they say use anti-biotic cream use it.

-Scented lotion/ soap. Avoid these, they make your tattoo heal poorly and your skin can have a bad reaction from them.

-Scratching/itching/picking. Let your scabs do their thing. If your tattoo itches you can gently slap it (it really works) or scratch around the area.

-Tight clothing. Tight clothes add extra friction and can rub off scabs, irritate the skin and in extreme cases cause pressure blowouts.