Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo is an investment in both art and your skin. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best possible healing, color retention, and overall appearance of your tattoo. Please follow the instructions below carefully throughout the healing process to help prevent irritation, infection, and unnecessary loss of ink.
Bandages:
Second Skin:
If you're using Second Skin, you can leave it on for 3-7 days. It may fill with ink, plasma, or blood. This is completely normal, as are small air bubbles.If the bandage begins to leak or your 3-7 days are up, wash your hands thoroughly and remove the bandage.The easiest way to do this is in a warm shower. Gently lift the bandage off by pulling it upwards away from the tattoo, do not peel off or rip! Once removed, wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. We like Gold Dial! Pat it dry with a paper towel, then apply a thin layer of ointment like Hustle Butter or Aquaphor.
Saran Wrap:
If your tattoo was wrapped with plastic wrap, leave it on for up to 5 hours post appointment. If you're heading straight home, you can remove it once you arrive home after washing your hands. Once removed, gently clean the area, pat it dry thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of ointment like Hustle Butter or Aquaphor. We recommend Hustle Butter because it's formulated specifically for tattoos!
Days 1-3 :
It is very normal for your tattoo to “weep” fluid during the first few days. If you used Second Skin and see this underneath, don't worry! It's doing what it's supposed to. After the 3rd day we ask you to remove the second skin. To do so, simple run warm water over the area, and slowly begin to lift the edge of the bandage and let warm water run into the area to help remove the adhesive as you gently pull the bandage off. If you didn’t use Second Skin, you may opt to wrap your tattoo at night with plastic wrap to protect your sheets. Wash your hands before gently cleaning your tattoo 3 times a day with an unscented soap (we like gold dial antibacterial). Pat it dry with a paper towel and apply a very thin layer of ointment (we like Hustle Butter) after each wash.
Days 4-7:
Some tattoos scab, others don’t. Both are normal. Do not pick or pull at any scabs that form, and avoid tight or abrasive clothing that may snag.You can now switch from ointment to an unscented lotion for moisturizing. We like Lubriderm.
Week 2:
Your tattoo is probably itchy! This is a sign of healing. But no scratching!!
A gentle pat can relieve the itch, and staying moisturized with an unscented lotion will also help.
Weeks 3-4:
The surface should be fully healed, though the deeper layers may still be repairing. Your tattoo might still itch from time to time. You can now use SPF lotion to protect your tattoo from the sun, which can cause fading. We recommend always using SPF to keep your tattoos looking fresh and vibrant. Also continue to use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, dry skin is itchy skin.
Now that you have the complete healing plan for your tattoo,
let’s refresh with some things to avoid for optimal healing.
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No swimming (pools, lakes, oceans) for at least 2 weeks
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Second skin is water resistant not waterproof, so showers are fine.
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No intense workouts for 2 weeks (especially with Second Skin, as trapped sweat can lead to infection. Remove if you work up a big sweat and follow cleaning instructions)
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No baths or soaking the tattoo
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Avoid sun exposure while healing. Once healed, always use SPF to preserve your tattoo
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No shaving over your tattoo for 2 weeks