Aftercare

Congrats on your new tattoo!

You already did the painful part, now you just gotta take good care of it :)

Thank you for choosing me to play a role in your tattoo journey and body art expression. Your support means the world! I’ve broken down my steps and recommendations to have a beautifully healed tattoo and make the aftercare process not too annoying. Please keep in mind that this is MY aftercare information. Information can vary artist to artist, BUT this is information that I can stand by throughout my years of experience being a tattoo artist and being a tattooed person :) Feel free to reach out to me with any questions and of course, send me some healed photos when you can!

Aftercare Instructions if Second Skin was applied:

Leave the second skin (yes, that sticky film stuff), on for 1-3 days. You can wear clothes over your second skin, you can also shower with it on, just keep an eye that it stays on well. While the second skin is on, it may fill up with ink and blood OR dry out, either is fine and NORMAL! If it fills up with ink/blood, you now have an “ink sack,” but please don’t squish it! The liquids inside should be left alone while the wrap is on, plus the plasma in our blood is working to heal your fresh tatt naturally. IF the liquid leaks OUT of the wrap OR you notice that something new gets inside the wrap (like shower water, dirt, excessive sweat, etc) then take it off immediately, instructions for removal just below this line!
Gently remove the second skin running it under water or while in the shower (It’s best to make this the last step in the shower that way you can avoid getting any fragrant soaps on your fresh tattoo). With clean hands and clean water gently hitting the second skin, find a corner to peel up. I always say, think of a command strip, NOT a bandage. Pull up or towards you to stretch the wrap and let it loosen off the skin as opposed to peeling it away.
The rest of aftercare instructions continue below :)

Aftercare instructions if Saran Wrap was Used:

After 4-12 hours, remove saran wrap with clean hands, this can be done in the shower or running under water. It will most likely be somewhat “goopy” and contain some ink or blood residue, this is normal! Remove saran wrap immediately if you notice that a foreign substance has contaminated the area, such as dirt, lint, pet hair, excessive sweat, etc.
The rest of the aftercare instructions continue below :)

Aftercare instructions continued:

*see below for list of recommended products*

Now that the wrap has been removed, with clean hands gently wash the tattoo area with water and antibacterial soap.*
Pat dry with a paper towel or let the area air dry. Do NOT use a hand towel/bath towel.
Gently apply a light layer of fragrance-free lotion.*
Continue steps 1-3 approximately twice a day for the next 2-3 weeks. Ensure to clean your tattoo after exercise and/or contact with something unclean (dirt, animals, etc).

What to Expect and Rules to Follow:

Your tattoo is technically an open wound so you must care for it as such.
Your tattoo may feel itchy and/or peel. Do not pick or peel at it. You can gently pat the area with clean hands to “soothe” that itchy feeling, although picking and itchy WILL affect the healing process and likely result in scarring.
Avoid submerging the tattoo area in water; no bath tubs, no lakes, creeks, cold plunges, hot tubs, you get the point. NO DIRTY WATER.
Avoid excessive sweating and harsh sunlight. Avoid using sunscreen on your fresh tattoo until about 4-6 weeks after your tattoo appointment.
Stay hydrated and avoid excessive drinking.
As mentioned, a fresh tattoo IS an open wound, so some minimal redness, swelling, irritation is typical, however, it’s important to be aware of potential signs of infection. This can include but is not limited to—increased swelling, persistent redness, tenderness of the tattooed area, red streaks going towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the tattooed area. Please do not hesitate to contact me about any questions/concerns and explore the possibility of seeking medical attention. Infection has been an extremely rare occurrence from my personal clientele feedback, however it’s always a possibility which is just another reason to take tattoo aftercare seriously :)

Products I Recommend:

(please note that links are through Amazon, however, a number of these can be found in stores like Walmart, Target, etc)

Lotions that are natural and fragrance free:

Lubiderm - https://a.co/d/0bjxDAHC, https://a.co/d/07gLaZMv

Aveeno - https://a.co/d/06GXIMcf, https://a.co/d/0dLdUOXI

Cetaphil - https://a.co/d/0hzNNJ39

CeraVe - https://a.co/d/028nAfA0

Antibacterial Soaps:

Dial - https://a.co/d/0anArNJJ, https://a.co/d/06H0UUSO

Aveeno - https://a.co/d/0hWaMR5Z

Sunscreen (ONLY to be used 4-6 weeks after you’ve been tattooed):

Mad Rabbit - https://a.co/d/0i1DS8n8