Tattoo Aftercare

AFTER YOUR SESSION:

• FOLLOW AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS as directed by your artist. I often tailor aftercare advice per client depending on the tattoo & their work/lifestyle. If you have any questions please call, email or text to avoid any confusion. If I did not do your tattoo, do not follow my advice -- go ask your artist.

• TREAT YOUR NEW TATTOO LIKE AN OPEN WOUND Wash it at least 2-3x a day or more if needed depending on your work/home environment. 

  • • Step 1: Wash your hands. 

    • Step 2: Wash the tattoo with unscented, antibacterial soap. Don't scratch it, don't pick it. 

    • Step 3: With clean, WET hands apply a quarter sized amount of aquaphor or A&D and rub hands together to water it down. 

    • Step 4: Gently spread a thin layer across your tattoo and let it AIR DRY.

    • Don't put anything on it except for Aquaphor or A&D as directed for the first couple of days. Then switch to Lubriderm or any other unscented/hypoallergenic lotion after the first week.

    • Peeling is normal but you should not have any redness or bumps. Swelling is normal on larger pieces (particularly leg tattoos) but should go down within the first couple of days.

• IF WE APPLIED TEGADERM (clear bandage) No washing is necessary until you remove the bandage. You can shower with the bandage on, but avoid long hot showers as it can deteriorate/loosen the bandage. Ideally the bandage should be kept on for 5-7 days. Day 3 is the WORST day to remove the bandage as it is just starting to stick to your freshly traumatized skin. As long as there is no redness or swelling and the tattoo is not exposed to air KEEP THE BANDAGE ON the full 7 days. If you have any questions please call, email or text to avoid any confusion.

  • • TEGADERM REMOVAL Remove the bandage gently and slowly under warm running water. Stretch the plastic out by pulling down like a 'Command strip' before pulling away from your skin. You can press down on the top portion of the bandage with one hand while you pull down/stretch the lower half of the bandage with the other hand to minimize pain. Slow and steady. Warm shower and or working out/sweating immediately before the bandage removal will help it slide off easier.

    • AFTER TEGADERM REMOVAL Wash the area with unscented soap and water and let it air dry before applying Aquaphor or A&D as directed above. Follow normal aftercare instructions above until the tattoo is fully healed.

• THINGS TO AVOID:

  • DO NOT apply sunscreen or scented lotion to a new healing tattoo

  • DO NOT go swimming in the ocean, pool, or hot tub

  • DO NOT go in a sauna

  • DO NOT pick or peel any skin flakes or scabs. LET THEM FALL OFF NATURALLY.

  • DO NOT go to any heated yoga/pilates classes until your tattoo is FULLY HEALED.

  • DO NOT go in direct sunlight with a fresh tattoo

  • DO NOT apply your own bandage or Tegaderm. If I did not give it to you, there was most likely a reason based on your work environment/lifestyle. If you apply your own bandage I can not guarantee that it will heal correctly.

  • DO NOT exercise, go hiking, sweat or work out IF you have Tegaderm applied. You do not want sweat trapped underneath the bandage on your fresh tattoo. It may get infected.

Again, If you have any questions please call, email or text to avoid any confusion.

No question is too small- my main objective is that your tattoo heals properly and you are happy with the final result.

775-471-7204