AFTERCARE

BASIC aftercare

  • after 1 hour, remove bandage
  • clean tattoo with water and a pump soap (fragrance free)
  • gently clean away any body fluids or caked up dried ink
  • pat dry with tissue (nothing too fibrous)
  • ***optional: Thinly apply Bacitracin or Neosporin and use for about 3-4 days max to help prevent infection
  • Thinly apply scent free lotion or A&D ointment until the tattoo is healed completely
  • clean and apply lotion as needed to prevent dryness
  • apply an ice pack if you experience excessive soreness

***Some artists advise against the use of any type of medications because they can cause allergic reactions in SOME people and draw out inks in some cases---but others believe that it is petroleum based products used excessively that cause excessive ink loss .  A&D ointment IS petroleum based as well. Lotions tend not to be blamed for this.

DO's & Dont's

  • DO keep the tattoo moisturized and clean
  • DON'T go and OVER-moisturize by gooping up on lotion or ointment OR LONG SUBMERSION IN WATER
  • DO keep keep the tattoo clean
  • DON'T let the tattoo dry out
  • DO be careful when handling pets after a fresh tattoo
  • DON'T use petroleum jelly unless there is absolutely no other option
  • DO use fragrance free lotions (NIVEA, AQUAPHOR, LUBRIDERMare good options)
  • DON'T scratch or pick at your tattoo
  • DO use an ice pack if soreness or swelling occurs
  • DON'T allow direct, hot sun light to fade out your tattoo
  • DO allow the tattoo plenty of air
  • DON'T allow any clothing or straps to rub a fresh tattoo or chafe it

What to Expect

  • Tattoo require at minimum about 2 weeks to heal
  • some people require a month or more depending on size of the tattoo, health of the person, and daily habits.
  • The 1st week is the most critical time to care for a fresh tattoo because the tattooed area may "weep" blood plasma and eject some ink. This material will tend to settle on the surface and dry if left uncleaned but the tattooed skin must be allowed to breathe and heal with nothing left on top. It is recommended to avoid public pools and dress smart in dirty work conditions. Sometimes loose clothing is enough but a special covering may be needed for certain environments.
  • The tattoo may itch and may feel hot or sore for a few days after the session. An ice pack helps with any discomfort but DO NOT scratch or pick at a tattoo. After a week, a dead layer of skin will appear over the tattoo and this must be allowed to peel on its own.
  • NOTE: a scab is not the same as just dryness. A scab is damaged skin which is dry and hardened a few layers deep. When a scab comes off, it usually removes ink as well and may leave a scar.. Scabbing occurs from not moisturizing properly, poor aftercare, or excessive trauma to the skin. Some people confuse dried ink and blood plasma as a scab
  • Some ink loss or inconsistency in ink saturation may occur regardless of how well the tattoo is cared for. Followingaftercare procedures can reduce the amount of touch-up required