To care for your tattoo you will need an unscented, alcohol free soap & an unscented moisturizer. I recommend Dove Sensitive Skin bar soap & Unscented Lubriderm or Aveeno.
FOR SECOND SKIN BANDAGE (clear bandage): Leave bandage on at least until the morning after your tattoo appointment. If there is little to no fluid buildup under the bandage feel free to leave it on for up to three days after your appointment. *It is absolutely normal if you do have a buildup of plasma, blood & excess ink from the tattoo under the bandage.* If you think you are having a reaction to the bandage, take it off right away and wash the tattoo thoroughly. A reaction to the bandage usually does not affect the tattoo itself, but will result in a rash around it. Please notify me if you have a reaction. Remove the bandage in the shower, warm water will loosen the adhesive. Peel the bandage off slowly, wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and unscented soap. Always ensure your hands are clean before touching your healing tattoo. Let air dry or dab with paper towel (don’t use cloth towels)
FOR BLACK BANDAGE: Remove bandage the morning after your tattoo appointment and wash immediately with warm water and unscented soap. It is normal to see some blood and excess ink on the bandage.
Wash your tattoo at least twice a day during the healing process, more if needed. Starting on the third day of healing you can begin moisturizing your tattoo. Use a small amount of unscented lotion 1-3 times daily as needed. Good times to moisturize the tattoo are when it feels uncomfortably dry or itchy.
Expect 10-20 days for healing. Skin may remain dry for a while after, continue to moisturize the tattoo until your skin returns to normal.
During the healing process your tattoo may scab, flake, appear to be fading, feel sore, hot or tight. This is all normal. Redness or swelling is also common for the first day or sometimes a few days following the tattoo session, but it should not be worsening as the healing progresses.
If you suspect your tattoo is infected consult with your doctor immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns during or after the healing process please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Things to Avoid During the Healing Process
Submerging the tattoo in water: Showers are fine, but steer clear of baths, pools and beaches until the tattoo is fully healed
Keep shampoo or other scented products that may irritate the tattoo away from it. This can be a little awkward in the shower depending on the placement of the tattoo but do your best!
Cloth towels: do not use them to dry the tattoo, they can hold onto bacteria or can get little fibers stuck in your healing tattoo
Direct sunlight: even once healed, sunlight and skin burns will fade your tattoo. Keep out of sunlight or wear clothing to cover it during the healing. Once fully healed, use sunscreen on your tattoo when you are out in the sun
Scratching and picking: your tattoo will likely get itchy and flake or scab during the healing process. DO NOT pick or scratch it. You can moisturize the tattoo to alleviate itchiness.
