AFTERCARE:

Thank you very much for coming in and getting a tattoo with us!

We appreciate your time and trust!

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Whether it's your first or twentieth, taking care of it is key to ensuring it looks amazing and stands the test of time. While we always aim to deliver top-notch quality and service, the longevity of your new ink now relies on your care. To assist you, we've provided detailed instructions on the best way to care for your tattoo. Additionally, you'll find recommendations for products that can enhance the healing process. Remember, it's CRUCIAL to maintain CLEAN HANDS whenever you touch your tattoo. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy healing!

PLASTIC / SARAN WRAP:

Remove the plastic wrap about 2-3 hours after receiving your tattoo. If you received your tattoo and are planning to stay out, please leave it on until you get home! We would rather have you leave the bandage on a little longer than take it off in an unsanitary area.  DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo.

After removing the plastic wrap, wash your hands thoroughly and wash the tattoo gently with mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Avoid any soaps with micro-beads or strong scents. Let the tattoo air dry completely. If you are in a rush, you are welcome to dry the tattoo by DABBING it softly with a CLEAN paper towel. DO NOT rub or use a fabric that is dirty or has a rough surface.

During the first 3-4 days: 

1. Wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water 

2. Let the tattoo dry 

3. Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a small amount of ointment on your tattoo. 

*Tattoos need to be able to breathe as well so make sure it is a small, thin layer of ointment on your tattoo. If it feels wet, sticky, or clumpy, that means there is too much ointment. Repeat this process of cleaning and applying ointment throughout the day.

After the third or fourth day, your tattoo will begin peeling and/or flaking. DO NOT scratch or pick at the skin! The scabs will naturally peel and fall off on its own. During this time replace the ointment with a mild, non-scented, non-pigment lotion. Repeat the cleaning process and instead of using ointment, moisturize with lotion. Do this 3-5 times daily as needed for a minimum of 2 weeks.

SANDIDERM / TEGADERM / TATTOODERM / SECOND SKIN:

Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days (however many days the artist recommends). During this time, the tattoo may look blurry under the bandage due to excess blood and/or plasma that may leave the skin. It may look like a blob of ink, but this is completely normal, so there is no need to freak out! 

After the recommended amount of days: 

1. Slowly remove the bandage with clean hands. (We recommend taking it off in the shower; it should be a bit easier!)

2. With CLEAN HANDS, wash the tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. 

3. Let the tattoo air dry; if you need to, PAT dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel.

4. After the tattoo is completely dry, apply a very small, thin layer of ointment. 

*Tattoos need to be able to breathe as well so make sure it is a small, thin layer of ointment on your tattoo. If it feels wet, sticky, or clumpy, that means there is too much ointment. Repeat this process of cleaning and applying ointment throughout the day.

Once the tattoo starts peeling and flaking (or if it doesn’t peel/flake, about 2 weeks), switch the ointment for a non-scented, non-pigmented lotion. Repeat the cleaning and drying process but switch the ointment with a mild, fragrance-free, non-pigmented lotion. Repeat this process throughout the day, as needed, for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Tattoos will take about 2 weeks - 1 month to fully heal.

When a tattoo is fully healed, it will be matte and flat on the skin. If it is still shiny or waxy on the surface, it is still in its healing process!

*DO NOT FORGET to take care of your skin regularly even after the tattoo is fully healed by moisturizing your skin as well as applying sunscreen whenever you are in the sun. Take care of your skin!

**If your artist gave you different directions to follow, please listen to the artist’s instructions!　

DURING THE HEALING PROCESS:

- DO NOT pick, scratch, itch, or irritate your tattoo.

- DO NOT submerge your tattoo at all. This means NO swimming, including pools, hot tubs, and any other bodies of water for at least 2 weeks!

- DO NOT expose the tattoo to the sun. Once it is COMPLETELY healed, please use sunscreen to protect the tattoo and reduce effects of the sun.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

- SOAPS (anti-bacterial, mild, NO microbeads): Dial, any soap that says anti-bacterial

- OINTMENTS (NO vaseline, NO alcohol based): Aquaphor, Mad Rabbit (ENHANCE-Tattoo Balm Stick, REPAIR-Soothing Gel).

- LOTIONS (mild, fragrance-free, no pigment): Aveeno, Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Baby Lotion