WHEN YOU LEAVE
Your tattoo is only half way done, the rest is up to you!
A tattoo is an open wound & it needs to be treated with care to insure not only that it looks great but also to prevent the risk of infection.
• 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 when you sleep. If fluid begins to leak heavily out of the bandage before the 24 hour period you may remove the bandage & proceed to the next step.
Please remove the bandage & discontinue use if you experience any redness or soreness around the outside edges of the
• 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, at least 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 healing ointment at least 3 times per day or anytime it is dry for about 3-5 days. After 3-5 days, switch to a non-scented skin lotion on the tattoo for another couple of weeks to help moisturize the skin. Using too much ointment during the first few days will cause poor healing & can even pull out some of the ink. Use only a VERY THIN layer of ointment - more is not better.
Your body is going to dry the area out & create a scab, to protect it. The problem is that a scab will take some of that precious tattoo ink along with it, if it is pulled off prematurely. Scabs are very itchy which will not only drive you insane but can cause you to inadvertently pull off pieces of your tattoo. This can lead to a patchy tattoo or part that looks ‘missing’. If left alone scabs actually cause no problem (other than the annoying itching) & it can be a normal part of healing depending on the person.
The better you take care of your skin the better your tattoo will look.
• THINGS TO AVOID •
UNAPPROVED OINTMENTS
DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly or piercing spray 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 & can take years off the life of a tattoo, it can even lead to skin complications during the healing phase.
*There are some measures you can take to help protect your tattoo from the sun after it has fully healed. The most effective way is to not have it in direct sunlight but if it will be exposed, using 50 spf or higher sunblock will be a huge 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 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 in in danger of picking up an infection. 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 gets better. Same principle.
• THINGS TO AVOID •
PHYSICAL STRESS
Ok at this point we understand the tattoo is not just a picture on your skin. We need to think of it as a very mild sports injury that requires physical therapy to get back to 100%, without issues & without re-injury. Avoid putting stress on the tattooed area for a minimum of 1-2 weeks. This includes working out to the point of sweating, running & all high intensity or physical sports. Working out will contract & expand 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, like boxing isn’t a good idea for a healing nose. Take care of your nose!
• 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.
I know it seems like a chore.. and it is, that’s part of getting a tattoo & making sure it looks good. You’re welcome!
• 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 choose to go paintballing or hit the water park the week or two after you get your tattoo. You know, just common sense. If the tattoo swells up or is sore for any reason, you may also use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the tattooed area, like you would for a sore joint.
Putting stresses on your tattoo while healing can cause the tattoo to heal improperly
• WHAT TO EXPECT •
BE STRONG
Do not pick at your tattoo. It may peel & flake or have small spots that scab up during the healing phase. Do not scratch your tattoo! 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.
Allow the tattoo to peel & flake on it’s own, for best results
• 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.
Your tattoo is only half way done, the rest is up to you!
A tattoo is an open wound & it needs to be treated with care to insure not only that it looks great but also to prevent the risk of infection.
• 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 when you sleep. If fluid begins to leak heavily out of the bandage before the 24 hour period you may remove the bandage & proceed to the next step.
Please remove the bandage & discontinue use if you experience any redness or soreness around the outside edges of the
• 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, at least 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 healing ointment at least 3 times per day or anytime it is dry for about 3-5 days. After 3-5 days, switch to a non-scented skin lotion on the tattoo for another couple of weeks to help moisturize the skin. Using too much ointment during the first few days will cause poor healing & can even pull out some of the ink. Use only a VERY THIN layer of ointment - more is not better.
Your body is going to dry the area out & create a scab, to protect it. The problem is that a scab will take some of that precious tattoo ink along with it, if it is pulled off prematurely. Scabs are very itchy which will not only drive you insane but can cause you to inadvertently pull off pieces of your tattoo. This can lead to a patchy tattoo or part that looks ‘missing’. If left alone scabs actually cause no problem (other than the annoying itching) & it can be a normal part of healing depending on the person.
The better you take care of your skin the better your tattoo will look.
• THINGS TO AVOID •
UNAPPROVED OINTMENTS
DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly or piercing spray 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 & can take years off the life of a tattoo, it can even lead to skin complications during the healing phase.
*There are some measures you can take to help protect your tattoo from the sun after it has fully healed. The most effective way is to not have it in direct sunlight but if it will be exposed, using 50 spf or higher sunblock will be a huge 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 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 in in danger of picking up an infection. 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 gets better. Same principle.
• THINGS TO AVOID •
PHYSICAL STRESS
Ok at this point we understand the tattoo is not just a picture on your skin. We need to think of it as a very mild sports injury that requires physical therapy to get back to 100%, without issues & without re-injury. Avoid putting stress on the tattooed area for a minimum of 1-2 weeks. This includes working out to the point of sweating, running & all high intensity or physical sports. Working out will contract & expand 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, like boxing isn’t a good idea for a healing nose. Take care of your nose!
• 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.
I know it seems like a chore.. and it is, that’s part of getting a tattoo & making sure it looks good. You’re welcome!
• 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 choose to go paintballing or hit the water park the week or two after you get your tattoo. You know, just common sense. If the tattoo swells up or is sore for any reason, you may also use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the tattooed area, like you would for a sore joint.
Putting stresses on your tattoo while healing can cause the tattoo to heal improperly
• WHAT TO EXPECT •
BE STRONG
Do not pick at your tattoo. It may peel & flake or have small spots that scab up during the healing phase. Do not scratch your tattoo! 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.
Allow the tattoo to peel & flake on it’s own, for best results
• 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.