AFTERCARE

I. FIRST DAY/NIGHT:

​

Keep the saran wrap bandage on for a minimum of 2 hours. On your first night, there’s a chance your tattoo will still bleed. The blood can dry overnight and stick to your clothes or bedding. If this happens, gently take the fabric off. DO NOT force it off or be rough with it. If it still does not come off, wet the area with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.

​

Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being secreted from the surface or the skin.

​

To avoid stains, use towels and bedsheets with darker tones and wear dark clothing.

 

II. TAKING OFF YOUR BANDAGE AND CLEANING YOUR TATTOO:

​

Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs.

​

1. Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.

2. Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. NO washcloths, bath towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo.

3. Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed.

4. Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.

5. Pat dry with a clean paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.

6. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or unscented lotion. Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo. Dab any excess off with a clean paper towel.

 

Applying too much ointment can cause your tattoo to “suffocate.” Apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe.

Clean your tattoo this way once a day in the shower for the first 2-3 days.

There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound and when unwrapped, it is prone to dirt and bacteria which may cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface.

 

III. YOUR DAILY TATTOO AFTERCARE ROUTINE:

​

Apply an unscented lotion 2-3 times a day (Remember, keep it light!) for 2 weeks until healed.

​

Please remember that flaking and peeling is normal during the healing process.

​

After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Doing so can cause some of the pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will eventually dissipate.

​

If you have extremely sensitive skin, the lotion may cause breakouts. If this happens, just reduce the number of your daily lotion application.

​

Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks.

 

IV. IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON'TS:

​

• Clean towels, bedding and clothes are highly recommended during the healing process.

• Showering is fine, however, do not aim the shower head directly on your tattoo for the first 2 weeks. 

• Please DO NOT soak your tattoo for at least 2 weeks. This means no swimming, baths or submerging your tattoo in water for long periods of time.

• Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least 2 weeks and your tattoo is completely healed. After that, we advise putting on a sunblock (minimum SPF 50) on your tattoo whenever you find yourself in direct sunlight for the rest of your life. The sun will undoubtedly cause damage and compromise the longevity of your tattoo.

• Wear loose clothing (preferably cotton) and avoid constricting accessories like bra straps and tight waistbands over a fresh tattoo. Avoid dirty, sweaty or itchy clothing as they can create healing problems.

 

Contact your doctor immediately if you see signs of infection such as persistent increased redness or swelling, fever, drainage, or oozing.