Tattoo Aftercare
Please follow the instructions below for the best healing results:
Remove your bandage/wrap after 1-2 hours.
Wash with non-scented, antibacterial soap under warm water. Do not scrub, only rub gently with your hands. Rinse and air dry, or pat dry with a fresh paper towel. Regular cloth towels are too abrasive and can carry unwanted bacteria. You should wash your tattoo morning and night to keep it clean and wash off any build up.
Do not soak your tattoo in water for prolonged periods of time (baths, pools, jacuzzis, the ocean) until it is fully healed, peeled and settled. This may take 2-3 weeks.
Be sure to wash your hands before you touch your tattoo. Treat it like an open wound to avoid infection!
Apply a THIN layer of A&D or Aquaphor ointment 2-3 times a day or whenever you notice that it’s drying up. Some have nice results with coconut oil, shea butter or other designated tattoo ointments. Use whatever works best for you with discretion. DO NOT cake on the ointment. This can suffocate your tattoo and complicate healing. If you notice any breakouts or irritation, discontinue use and let your tattoo breathe.
Ointments are only to be used for the initial 3 days of healing. After 3 days, switch to a non-scented lotion (Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Eucerin, Aveeno) and continue until your tattoo is fully healed.
During the first couple nights, you may want to wear dark breathable clothing to cover your tattoo. This will help to prevent any blood, ink or plasma from leaking onto your sheets. Put a layer of ointment on to keep your clothing from sticking and adhering to your tattoo (this will be painful to peel off in the morning and can be damaging).
Do not wear tight or constricting clothing that will cut into your tattoo while it’s healing.
Do not scratch, or peel your tattoo when it starts to get flakey. Scabs may form. Please leave them alone and do not pick at them. This can cause some of the pigment to fall out, resulting in a patchy tattoo. If you’re itchy, try applying more lotion to soothe the skin.
Avoid strenuous workouts for about a week if you can. Sweat and movement can irritate your tattoo.
Avoid exposure to the sun for 2-3 weeks or until your tattoo is fully healed. Tattooed skin is especially vulnerable to sunburn and other sun damage. Apply sunscreen after your tattoo has healed to help combat premature fading.
If you have pets at home, try to keep them away from your tattoo while it heals. Do not allow them to lick or scratch your tattoo. Wash your hands before touching your tattoo after you’ve been handling your pet.
If you suspect you may be developing an infection, contact your doctor right away. Some common signs of infection include; redness, swelling, inflammation, pain, warmth at the site, abnormal discharge, rash, fever and chills.
I know this is a lot of information, and it might be a little overwhelming!
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.