Tattoo Aftercare
Thanks for getting a tattoo from me! I’m so happy that you’re protecting your investment by making sure that bad boy heals up real nice. Healing your tattoo is super easy and only takes a week or so of gentle cleansing, drying, and moisturizing. You will likely leave the shop with your tattoo wrapped in plastic or a Waterproof Breathable bandage. These two ways of healing are similar, but do require a different procedure. Here are the steps to perfectly healing your tattoo every time no matter what type of healing method you use. As always, ask me directly if you need any help or have any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo. The internet is not your friend when it comes to researching ways to heal your tattoo as there is a ton of misinformation out there. I’m always here to help, so please email me if you have any issues that are not covered here.
For the Traditional Healing Method use: Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Soap - Lubriderm Unscented Lotion
Healing time: 1-2 weeks
Please wear your plastic bandage for a minimum of 2 hours. This will allow your new tattoo a chance to weep excess blood, plasma, and pigment and let the tattoo settle a bit before you start your aftercare.
Step 1. Remove the plastic bandage and wash your hands with a liquid antibacterial soap. You will want to wash your new tattoo with your clean hand using liquid antibacterial soap and warm water, making sure to gently rub away any ointment that is left over on the new tattoo and the surrounding skin. Depending on the location of your tattoo, you can wash up in a sink or in the shower, just be sure to use liquid antibacterial soap and avoid scented body washes, washcloths, or loofahs. Your bare hand will be the most gentle option.
Step 2. Using a new paper towel snapped right off the roll, gently pat your tattoo dry. Do not use your bath towel unless it’s literally fresh out of the dryer and nice and clean. Towels carry a lot of bacteria, so using a paper towel is your safest bet.
Step 3. Apply a small amount of white unscented lotion to your new clean tattoo and the surrounding area. If there are particularly dry areas, you may use a very small amount of Aquaphor ointment on the dry area. Limit this type of application to no more than 3 days.
It is very important to be diligent in this regimen in order to most quickly and easily heal your tattoo with the least amount of issues. If you have any issues, don’t hesitate to contact me directly for advice! Please don’t search the internet for solutions or ask your homies for help. I got your back.
For Waterproof Bandage Healing Method use: Antibacterial Liquid Soap - Extra bandage
Healing time: 1-2 weeks
Step 1. Please wear your Waterproof Breathable Bandage for a minimum of 24 hours. It can be replaced if there is an excess of blood, plasma, and pigment under the bandage. This excess fluid may interfere with the adhesion of the bandage so keep an eye on the bandage to ensure that any liquid build up inside isn’t coming too close to the edge. This can end up leaking out which isn’t fun especially if you’re out and about. If this happens, replace the bandage. You may wear your Waterproof Breathable Bandage anywhere from 24 hours - 5 days. If you end up replacing the bandage, you should only replace it once to avoid irritation to the tattoo and surrounding skin. Healing with this method is best when there is a little plasma under the bandage which will help your tattoo to heal.
Step 2. To remove your bandage, please do so under running water. Lots of internet people pull off their bandage dry and video it marketing it as a “heal my tattoo with me” clip. Ugh brother ughh! Do not do this! Instead, wash your hands and the area you are about to remove the bandage from with Antibacterial Liquid Soap. Gently peel the bandage from your skin from the edges in a downward motion using soap and water to assist in removal. Wash your tattoo with Antibacterial Liquid Soap and water, pat dry with a paper towel, and apply a small amount of Lubriderm Unscented Lotion.
If there is any irritation, redness or itching while wearing your bandage, you may have an allergy to the adhesive. You will definitely want to remove it and refer to the Traditional Healing Method for the remainder of your healing time.
As always with any tattoo healing method…
No Pools, baths, or jacuzzi time! Do not soak your new tattoo whether it’s bandaged or not for at least two weeks!
No Picking, scratching, or rubbing flaking skin off! I know it’s tempting, but you’re an adult, just leave it alone!
No exposure to harsh sun - Use sunscreen after your tattoo heals! Sunscreen can be irritating, wait until it heals to apply!
No scented body care products until after your tattoo heals! Also an irritant, trust me!