Aftercare Instructions
Congratulations on your new tattoo! Healing a tattoo is 50% of the outcome of its overall image. If you’ve been tattooed by me, then I have likely applied an adhesive bandage to keep it protected. This healing method limits infections, scabbing, and other things that can damage your tattoo while it heals. If you opted out of the adhesive wrap, please see **OINTMENT HEALING METHOD** below.
Duration:
The wrap should stay on for 3-5 days. If it is healing with no leaks or problems, you can leave it on for the full 5 days.
If substantial irritation occurs, on your tattoo or around your wrap, you can remove it before the 5 days are up, and finish out with the Ointment Healing Method.
Remove your wrap if:
-you have a lot of irritation
-an allergy forms
-it is leaking
-water gets inside the wrap
-it is not completely sealed and the edges roll up passed the tattoo, leaving it exposed.
If you’re removing it because it is leaking or gets water in it, and it has not been on for the full 5 days, you can replace the bandage.
Extra bandages can be purchased online or on Amazon.
Recovery Derm Shield, Saniderm, and Dynarex are good brands.
How to remove your wrap:
Start in the shower, and roll up the edges & corners of the wrap. Slowly peel down and away from your tattoo. Be careful not to do this too quickly or rough, as it can damage your tattoo and cause ink to not stay. Utilize soap to ease the wrap off of your tattoo,
Once your wrap is off, wash your tattoo with clean hands.
Use warm(not hot)water, and antibacterial unscented soap to cleanse your tattoo thoroughly. Make sure to wash off any excess plasma, ink, or debris that might be on your tattoo.
Once clean, pat the area dry with a paper towel.
Let it air dry for about 5-10 minutes.
Once it has dried, you can now reapply a new bandage if you have not finished the 5 days. If you are not reapplying a bandage, finish up with ointment healing.
When replacing a bandage, if you need additional guidance please feel free to reach out!
**OINTMENT HEALING METHOD**
1) Wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap before beginning.
2) Cleanse your new tattoo with warm (not hot) water and antibacterial unscented soap thoroughly for a few minutes. Be sure to wash off any excess plasma, ink, or debris from your tattoo.
3) Pat it dry with a clean paper towel and let it air dry for 5-10 minutes.
4) Apply a thin layer of ointment(I will list good ointments/lotions/soaps at the end), just enough to moisturize it. If you put too much, blot off the excess with a clean paper towel.
Repeat steps 1-4, 3x per day: Morning, Midday, Night
Once your tattoo starts peeling you can switch to unscented lotion instead of ointment. This will help prevent scabbing and tattoo bubbles.
Your tattoo will be healed when it is no longer peeling or shiny, and the texture feels the same as your other skin.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns about this process! Contact info at the bottom of the page :)
Suggested brands and supplies:
Extra Bandages: Saniderm, Recovery Derm Shield, Dynarex
Ointment: Aquaphor (petroleum based, can cause clogged pores if you’re prone)
Hustle Butter ( Contains Mango and Shea and Cocoa Butters, check for allergies)
Lotions: Lubriderm, Cerave, Aveeno (Make sure they are fragrance free. Fragrance has alcohol and will burn and dry out your tattoo.)
Soaps: Dial Gold, Hibiclens Pre surgery soap, Hustle Butter tattoo wash
Things to Avoid
-Avoid Direct Sunlight: Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade the colors and damage the skin. If you must be in the sun, use a high-SPF sunscreen and cover your tattoo with clothing.
-Avoid Soaking: For the first two weeks, avoid soaking your tattoo in water. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths. Showers are fine, but avoid prolonged exposure to water.
-Avoid Scratching or Picking: As your tattoo heals, it may itch or scab. Do not scratch or pick at the scabs, as this can cause damage and affect the final appearance of your tattoo.
-Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, which aids in the healing process.