Aftercare
For the next two weeks…
After you take your bandage off:
Wash your tattoo using your hand. Use warm water (Do not have the water directly pouring on your tattoo) and UNSCENTED/UNDYED soap. Only wash your tattoo twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night.
Moisturize your tattoo morning and night using unscented water-based lotion. No petroleum products.
It’s very important that you do not over moisturize. A thin layer of lotion is all you need.
Only moisturize after you wash your tattoo.
Do not go swimming, take a bath, go in a hot tub, or anything that involves soaking your body in water. (Other than showering). When you shower, do not put your tattoo directly under the water. Keep the temperature warm but not hot and try not to spend too much time in the shower.
Second Skin Bandage
All our medical grade barriers/bandages provide protection for your healing tattoo by providing a barrier from outside contaminants. The bandage also allows the skin to breathe, as it is permeable to air.
Your artists will recommend a specific amount of time to keep the bandage on, but as a rule, its best to keep the bandage on for no less than 5 days.
During the next 48 hours there will be a collection of body fluid and ink underneath the bandage. This is normal. However, if an excessive amount of fluid builds under the bandage, please contact your artist or the shop for further instructions.
When it’s time to remove the bandage, peel the second skin from a corner in a slow “stretching” motion under warm water. Be sure not to quickly “rip” off the bandage, as you could damage the skin. Please also note it is normal to feel some discomfort when removing the bandage.
Absorbent pads
Your artist may have chosen to use absorbent pads to wrap your tattoo if you have an allergic reaction to the medical bandages or you are in for touch ups.
Your artist will tell you when to take the bandage off.
Healing Tips
- Do not pick any scabs that may form on your tattoo. Scabs are apart of the healing process and you should let the fall off naturally.
- Do not scratch the tattoo directly or indirectly, no matter how itchy it may be.
- Try to avoid tight fitting clothing that will irritate the tattoo.
- Do not wear jewelry on the tattoo at all.
- Always keep your tattoo from sunlight until it’s fully healed.
- Once your tattoo is fully healed you can use sunscreen that is equal to or greater than SPF 50 and also offers broad spectrum protection, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- Not following these instructions will always lead to faded and/or blurred tattoos.
Touch ups
The first touch ups are free for the first six months.
Any work needed on that same tattoo afterwards will be charged at the artists current hourly rate. (Unless stated otherwise by your artist).
Your tattoo will look healed 2 -3 weeks after your appointment, although it may appear slightly shiny and scaly for several more. However, it takes 4 months for all layers of skin to be completely healed.
If you are needing touch ups, wait at least one month before making an appointment. Always contact your artist first so they can tell you how much time you need to book. You can book by calling the shop during business hours.