AFTERCARE
TATTOO DERM
Remove bandage in a CLEAN bathroom after a period of 48-72 hours.
(preferably in the shower as the water will loosen the adhesive from your skin lessening the tugging when being removed)
Bandage may be left on overnight if it feels comfortable and secure. However if the bandage is removed within 24 hours, the tattoo may stick to or stain bed sheets.
After removing bandage, wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and fragrance free soap. No soap with fragrance moisture beads or scrubs.
KEEPING IT FRESH
Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on a fresh tattoo.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel, once the tattoo is dry apply a tattoo healing ointment, or FRANGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm or Curel. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel.
Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo.
Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity (such as working out) within the first ten day of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dries out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne- like break outs. This can be taken care of by reducing the number of lotion applications per day.
Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. The tattoo need not be re-bandaged except in certain, rare instances. A bra strap, tight waistband, jewelry, sweaty gym shoe or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems. Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid. If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing be sure that only sterile bandages are used.
HEALING PROCESS
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 sloughed from the surface or the skin
After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own.
DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will slough eventually. Once again, they will be the color of the tattoo. It normally takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact one of our artists. Please do not consult your friends about healing issues, as everyone’s experience is unique. Our artists are more than happy to help with any concerns you might have.