Contact your artist if you need a touch up!
Touch ups are free for the first six months
otherwise we have to charge our $60 minimum.
We cannot stress enough how crucial it is to
practice proper aftercare with your new tattoo
so that it heals well and looks its best!
The following is our professional recommendation
on how to care for your fresh artwork.
(If using any type of second skin, scroll down!)
ALWAYS wash your hands before washing your tattoos!
Tattoo Application Traditional Way
DAY 1
Once you leave the shop
-Leave the bandage on for 1-2 hours,
then wash your hands and carefully remove the bandage.
Keep in mind throughout this process that patience and
gentleness are key when healing your new tattoo!
Using your fingertips, gently wash the tattoo with COOL water and mild
Non-Scented, Antibacterial Soap, such as SoftSoap or Dial.
(Do not use bar soap because it is prone to cross-contamination.)
Then, pat it dry with a clean, dry paper towel or let it air dry.
WASH 1-2 TIMES A DAY:
Use cool to warm water and antibacterial soap.
Light massage and wash away dried blood, lymphatic fluid and excess ointment.
Rinse with cold water to help close up your pores.
Lastly, pat dry with a paper towel or let air dry.
DAY 2-3
Do not start your lotioning regimen until 2-3 days after getting tattooed.
During the first couple days, a scab will form over your new tattoo;
this is a natural part of the healing process.
Carefully apply a thin layer of moisturizer such as
Aveeno Lotion,Lubiderm Lotion,Aquaphor Ointment,
or plant based moisturizers 3-4 times daily.
THIN LAYERS each time you moisturize.
Do this until all flaking, peeling, and scabbing has naturally sloughed off.
This process usually takes approximately 3-6 weeks.
You may stay in a 'shiny' phase for a few months.
Keep up with moisturizing and protecting it under the sun.
If you have any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo,
please contact your artist or your trusted physician.
KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN
Wear clean clothes and new bedding while your tattoo is healing.
Don't let pets lick or scratch.
Protect it at work if your job is a bit more physical.
To keep your tattoo looking its best,
continue to moisturize after showers.
PLEASE DO NOT:
-
DO NOT pick at or itch your healing tattoo. Let the scabs slough naturally;
they will fall off on their own when they’re ready.
-
DO NOT expose your healing tattoo to direct sunlight (1-2 weeks).
Once healed, sunscreen will help prolong the life of your tattoo.
Sun exposure is likely to accelerate fading,
even in a healed tattoo. Wear sunscreen!
-
DO NOT use anything abrasive over your fresh tattoo,
such as a washcloth or loofah, while it is healing.
-
DO NOT wear tight clothing that can rub against
your tattoo such as: tight bras, belts, watches, etc
-
DO NOT swim or submerge your healing tattoo
in pools, baths, lakes/rivers, etc.
This can damage scabbing and potentially cause infection.
Tattoo Application and Aftercare with Second Skin
REPLACE BANDAGE AFTER 24 HOURS
Removal of Bandage
To remove bandage, find an edge of the bandage
and pull back over itself in the direction of hair growth or
pull it like a command strip so it stretched the adhesive.
Removing it in the shower is the ideal place.
-Dry removal may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.
Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap.
Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat down with a paper towel.
-Plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage is normal.
You may have some redness after removing the bandage.
Redness typically goes down within the first 3-5 days.
Wash yours hands before applying second skin,
make sure area with tattoo is free of any liquids and is dry.
Cut and trim second skin to fit around the tattoo
– include an extra inch around all sides.
Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first
and place gently over the tattoo.
Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place,
remove the see-through second layer from the top side
and smooth the bandage over the tattoo.
Reapplication of 2nd Bandage
Apply a second bandage by following the application steps above.
A second bandage can be worn for up to 3-5 days.
Do not wear the bandage for more than 7 days.
If you have any questions regarding your tattoo healing,
please contact your artist or trusted physician!