AFTERCARE
Always wash your hands before touching a healing tattoo.
Absorbant Pad/Elastic Wrap Bandage Instructions:
Leave your bandage in place for around 4 hours after you leave the studio. You may also choose to leave the bandage on overnight.
Second Skin/Tegaderm/Saniderm Instructions:
Ideally, the bandage may remain in place for 2-5 days.
If you experience fluid leaking from the bandage, any redness around the bandage, itching, burning, hives, or something that doesn’t seem normal, remove the bandage immediately under running water, wash and follow aftercare instructions.
When it’s time to remove your bandage, wash with warm water and a gentle unscented antibacterial soap or castile soap. Use only your hands, no washcloth, loofah, etc.
Do not re-bandage your tattoo. You can use unscented lotion to keep your tattoo moisturized as needed. Be sure to rub in the lotion, do not leave a coat on the surface of your skin. Over moisturizing can lead to scabbing and breakouts.
Wash your tattoo 2-3 times per day for the first week. Continue to moisturize as needed.
Avoid touching your tattoo aside from washing while it is healing.
For two weeks after tattooing or until the tattoo is healed and no longer peeling, you should avoid baths (showers are best), hot tubs, and swimming in any type of water, natural or chlorinated.
Healing tattoos can be itchy. This is normal, but avoid scratching and do not pick at any scabs. Lotion can help!
Keep pets away from your healing tattoo.
For the first week or so it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, gym equipment, and any activity that might expose your healing tattoo to infection-causing bacteria.
Most tattoos heal within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about your healing process, please contact me! The internet is full of conflicting, confusing information. I’m happy to help! (Psst…ask your tattooer, not your friends!)