A good tattoo relies on good application and aftercare. The tattoo process does not end when you leave the shop. The information page outlines all the do’s and don’t of aftercare, please contact the artist directly if you have any questions, DO NOT follow your friend or google’s advice.
For any negative reactions or infections, please see a doctor immediately.
Depending on the style of the tattoo, location, and skin sensitivity, I may use cling wrap or second skin on your tattoo. If I decide not to use second skin on your tattoo, please do not buy one (especially from Amazon) and place it on yourself. You can risk infection from improper cleaning and application, allergic reactions to the wrap, or accidentally buy knockoff products from amazon (which has resulted in bad reactions).
I always offer free touchups with 2 years of the original tattoo application, unless you do not follow my aftercare instructions. This includes dry healing and using tattoo bandages that I did not put on you myself. If you need to book a touchup, please click the button below!
AFTERCARE
Cling Wrap
If I wrap your tattoo in cling wrap, you can leave the wrap on for 3-4 hours, or until you get home. When you get home, wash your hands, remove the wrap and gently wash your tattoo with fragrance free pump soap.
Dial gold is a great option if you are unsure of what to use. Bar soap harbors bacteria and should be avoided. Any soap with fragrance can irritate your skin and should be avoided. Do not scrub your tattoo, wash gently.
Air dry your tattoo or pat dry with a paper towel, NOT a bath towel since they harbor bacteria as well. After your tattoo is completely dry, you can apply a fragrance free lotion. I no longer recommend aquaphor or any petroleum based products because they are too heavy and it is really easy to over do it. You want to make sure your tattoo is moisturized, but not suffocated.
I highly suggest waiting until your tattoo is healed before going to the gym to avoid infection. Try not to expose your tattoo to too much sun exposure, and do not wear tight or abrasive clothing that can rub your tattoo.
Daily care
After you remove your bandage or wrap, you will need to wash your tattoo at least twice a day with fragrance free antibacterial soap until it’s fully healed. Once the tattoo is completely dry, you will want to apply a fragrance free lotion. Keeping your tattoo clean and moist will help avoid infection and also make your skin less itchy. If you have any heavy shading, it may peel or scab, please let it fall naturally and do not pick at it, this can cause uneven healing and ink loss. You may experience stinging or swelling around your tattoo, this is normal. If it persists for more than a week or is accompanied by bumps on the tattoo or a fever, please contact me and a physician. If any part of your tattoo doesn’t heal perfectly, please contact me for a free touch up within 2 years. After your tattoo is healed, be sure to use sunscreen to keep it looking fresh, longer.
Although rare, allergic reactions and infections could occur. If you are experiencing this, please contact a physician ASAP. If your tattoo has small bumps and is itchy after a month, it’s possible you may have an allergy to the ink and should visit a doctor. Sometimes people over do it with lotion and it can clog pores and cause small bumps, so if you’re unsure, please contact a physician to be safe.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the shop or artist directly.
Second Skin
I use the Recovery Derm brand instead of saniderm (most commonly used), because it is thinner, matte, and has had less reactions with my clients. Some artists suggest changing the first wrap after 24 hours, however I don’t like this practice because its very abrasive to peel off a fresh tattoo, and you risk infection if the client doesn’t properly clean the tattoo before applying the second wrap.
For that reason, I recommend leaving the original wrap for 3-5 days. I prefer to leave it for the full 5 days if you have heavy shading since it helps prevent scabbing. This wrap will collect any liquid including blood, plasma, and ink. This is normal, and any “ink sacks” or bubbles are okay. However, if anything is leaking out of the bandage, if you sweat, or if you have any outside water get into the wrap, remove the bandage to avoid any bacteria from being trapped under the wrap. If you have any bumps or redness, take off the wrap as you are most likely having a reaction to the adhesives.
The bandage is water proof but not leak proof, so you can shower with it on, but do not submerge it in water such as baths or swimming. When you’’re ready to take it off, do so in the shower with warm water to loosen the wrap, and stretch the wrap away from itself like a command strip, this will hurt less than peeling it.