AFTERCARE TIPS

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When the tattoo is complete, ​the tattoo is only half way done…​The rest is up to you!
​Remember, a tattoo is an open wound until it heals & it needs to be treated with care in order to prevent infection & to insure that it looks great when it settles. ​​Take care of it for the first few weeks & it will look great for many years!

• STEP 1 •
LEAVE IT ALONE
When your tattoo is complete, it will be covered with a breathable adhesive medical bandage, which is included with your tattoo. The bandage seals to protect the tattoo so it may fill with body fluids & mix with surface ink, which will look gross. Don’t worry! This is normal.

​Leave the bandage on for 8-24 hours. Keep the wrap on overnight if possible, so the tattoo is protected while you sleep. If fluid begins to leak heavily out of the bandage before the 24 hour period or if you experience any redness or itchiness around the outside edges of the bandage you may remove the bandage early & proceed to the next step. DO NOT leave the bandage on for more than 36 hours.

*If you did not get wrapped in an adhesive bandage, remove the loose wrap within 1 hour & process to Step 2

• STEP 2 •
KEEP IT CLEAN
​The tattoo is a wound so keeping it clean & free of germs is key. Clean the tattoo area very gently with mild soap & water using only your hand, 2 or 3 times a day. Pat dry with a clean dry towel, again very gently.

*Do not use sponges to clean or any abrasive materials to dry the tattoo

• STEP 3 •
KEEP IT MOISTURIZED
To prevent the tattoo from drying out, apply a VERY THIN layer of moisturizing non-scented skin lotion at least 3 times per day or anytime it is dry for about 2 weeks. Using too much lotion will cause poor healing & can even pull out some of the ink. Use only a THIN layer, more is not better. Continue to use lotion on the tattoo for another couple of weeks past healing, to help moisturize & regenerate the skin.

Your body is going to try to dry the area out & create a scab, to protect it. Do not pick or scratch the scabs no matter how annoying they get! The problem is that a scab will take some of that precious tattoo ink along with it, if it is pulled off prematurely. This can lead to a patchy tattoo or part that looks ‘missing’. That is why we want to keep the area moisturized but not wet.

*If you do get any scabby spots, simply allow them to fall off on their own & everything will be fine

• THINGS TO AVOID •
UNAPPROVED OINTMENTS
DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly, piercing sprays, or any other unapproved ointments, on the tattoo during the healing process.

• THINGS TO AVOID •
SUNLIGHT
DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds for a minimum of 2 weeks after the tattoo procedure. Keep it completely covered & away from the sun during this time. UV rays can alter ink colors & it can even lead to skin complications during the healing phase.

​The most effective way to protect your tattoo from the sun after it has fully healed is to not expose it to direct sunlight. If it will be exposed, using 50 spf sunblock (or higher) will help protect the tattoo to keep it looking great for much much longer.

• THINGS TO AVOID •
WATER
DO NOT submerge your healing tattoo in water for a minimum of 2 weeks. Water during the healing process can lead to a tattoo that will look ‘washed out’. Not only will it not look good, submerging your tattoo in any body of water puts it at high risk of picking up an infection.
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This includes baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, steam rooms, lakes, oceans, etc…
​Showers are completely fine as long as you don’t leave the tattoo area under the running water for long periods of time.

• THINGS TO AVOID •
TIGHT CLOTHING
DO NOT put anything tight on the tattoo area until it has fully healed. Try to wear loose clothing as often as possible so that it can breathe. If you have a foot tattoo try not to have shoes or socks on as often as possible during the healing process. Obviously you have to live life but be mindful of your tattoo the same way you would a broken arm. You may change the way you do some things until your arm heals. Same principle.

• THINGS TO AVOID •
PHYSICAL STRESS
Avoid putting stress on the tattooed area for a minimum of 1-2 weeks. This includes intense exercise & working out to the point of sweating, running, & all high intensity & physical sports. Working out contracts & expands the skin which is not good for the healing tattoo & settling ink. The other factor is the heat, sweat & other people’s potential germs. Working out is unfortunately not a good idea for a healing tattoo.

• WHAT TO EXPECT •
BE CONSISTENT
The tattoo will take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to heal. Every tattoo is different & every person heals at different rates. Stay consistent with your aftercare & plan ahead if you are going to be at work or away from home.
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• WHAT TO EXPECT •
BE MINDFUL
Depending on where your tattoo is, be mindful of what activities to take part in during the healing process. For example, walking for long periods of time with tattoos on the lower legs & feet is not recommended for best healing.

​Again you have to live life… work or other responsibilities may interfere during the healing period but maybe don’t go paintballing or hit the water park for a 2-3 weeks after you get your tattoo. If the tattoo swells up or is sore for any reason, you may use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the tattooed area, like you would for a sore muscle.

• WHAT TO EXPECT •
BE STRONG
The tattoo may peel & flake or have small spots that scab up during the healing phase. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo! Allow the tattoo to peel & flake on it’s own. If it itches, pat it. Pat it good! An itchy tattoo is often a sign that it needs a thin layer of ointment… or that your shaved hair is coming back. Either way, drink water.

​• PRECAUTIONS •
INFECTIONS
Infections are rare & the vast majority of tattoo clients will never encounter one but a tattoo is an invasive procedure & you must take the proper precautions to insure the lowest risk possible. If at any time you feel that your tattoo is infected, it must be addressed & you should call a physician immediately.

​They will be able to take care of the infection properly & may need to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Remember, the best way to avoid infection is keeping the tattoo clean & keeping it away from areas where you could pick up germs or bacteria.

​• PRECAUTIONS •
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF INFECTION
💥Tattooed area feels hot to the touch & is very sensitive to the touch days after the tattoo.
💥Red haze surrounding the tattoo area a week or more after the tattoo was done.
💥A white haze over sections of the tattoo or extreme crusty scabs which may be green or yellowish in color.
💥A bad smell or discharge of puss coming from the tattooed area.
💥​​If you develop a fever shortly after the tattoo was completed.

*Again, if at any time you feel that your tattoo is infected, call a physician immediately

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