AFTERCARE

AFTERCARE

Congratulations on getting your first tattoo! We’ve laid the ground work for your tattoo. My half is done, now it’s your turn to take care of the tattoo. Tattooing is a partnership, you and I have agreed on a tattoo, we executed the tattoo, and now it’s your turn to care for your new body art. I can give you the most beautiful tattoo in the world, but if you do not care for your tattoo properly, the work can be undone & possibly ruin the tattoo.

The first 3-7 days are crucial for your aftercare. Please refrain from unnecessary exercise, going to dirty areas, submerging your tattoo underwater. Stay out of pools and beaches for at least two weeks.

Tattoos can take a week to heal up to two months depending on the tattoo size, location, and amount of shading; sometimes even longer! A fully healed tattoo will no longer be shiny & will feel matte to the touch.

So what are your options? Let’s explore them.,.

TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE

The more natural way you care for the tattoo, the better your tattoo will heal!

The first 2-3 days, you’re going to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day. It’s recommended to use a antibacterial, non-scented soap (I.e. Gold Dial Liquid Soap) or an all natural Castile soap (I.e . Dr. Brauner’s liquid soap). Use warm water, sud your soap up & gently wash the tattoo. Do not be abrasive & use too hot of water, you’re trying to clean your wound, not scrub off your tattoo. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Repeat.

After the 2nd or 3rd day, you’ll notice that the tattoo will begin to tighten. Once the skin begins to tighten or scab, you’ll want to keep your tattoo moisturized. I recommend a non-scented lotion (I.e. Lubriderm, Eucerin, off brand versions welcome). From this point in time, you don’t need to wash your tattoo as many times a day. You can wash your tattoo, when you shower. You will be moisturizing your tattoo 2-3x a day. Repeat the moisturizing until the tattoo is healed .

TATTOO BALM/COCONUT OIL AFTERCARE

Same as traditional aftercare, the first 2-3 days, you’re going to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day. It’s recommended to use a antibacterial, non-scented soap (I.e. Gold Dial Liquid Soap) or a all natural Castile soap (I.e . Dr. Brauner’s liquid soap). Use warm water, sud your soap up & gently wash the tattoo. Do not be abrasive & use too hot of water, you’re trying to clean your wound, not scrub off your tattoo. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Once tattoo is completely dry, you can apply a light coat of your tattoo balm or coconut oil. You don’t want to suffocate your tattoo, just want enough to keep it from tightening.

After the 3rd day, you don’t have to wash your tattoo as often. Just wash your tattoo whenever your shower. Continue to use your tattoo balm or coconut oil 2-3x a day until the tattoo is healed.

PROTIP: Use this method for all tattoos that do not rest flat on your body or areas of your body that tend to move daily. These areas include: Kneecaps, elbows, kneecap ditch, elbow ditch, wrists, hands, feet, neck, stomach, ribs, ankles, etc.

SANIDERM/TEGADERM AFTERCARE

“The set it & forget it of tattoo aftercare!”

If you’re given this bandage, please keep the bandage on for at least 3 days up to 7 days. This is a medicated bandage, the longer you keep the bandage on, the quicker your tattoo will heal.

If you keep the bandage for 3 days, it should skip the scabbing process. Keep the bandage on for up to 7 days, to be on the peeling stage.

Do not keep the bandage on for more than 7 days, it will damage your tattoo & skin. It’s water proof enough to go in the shower or get caught in the rain, but not water proof enough to submerge your tattoo. Please refrain from oceans & pools while wearing this bandage. If your Bandage is leaking, let the liquid come out of the bandage naturally & wipe the excess liquid & keep bandage clean. Refrain from exercise or any activities that will make you sweat more that usually would. This bandage keeps water out, but can also keep water in. Any extra fluids, besides your blood/plasma is not good for your tattoo. If you feel that the bandage has been compromised in any way, feel free to discard the bandage.

When you are ready to take the bandage off, take it off while you’re showering. You’re welcome to take it off dry, but the bandage tends to come off easier when wet.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out & I’ll get back to you as soon as I possibly can. Thanks for tattooing with me, happy aftercaring!