TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

What to Expect :

Day 1: The care of your tattoo is your responsibility. How you care for your tattoo while it’s healing will determine how it will look forever. Keep the fresh tattoo covered with the plastic wrap for at least 2 hours, or for second skin leave on for up to 3 days. 

Days 2-14: Healing tattoos will scab, peel, and flake, with bits of tattooed skin coming off in the process (this is normal). Your new tattoo may not look as ‘’crisp’’ for the first few weeks and will instead look ‘’hazy’’. This is also completely normal and will clear up in 2-3 weeks. 

 

Aftercare Instructions with Second Skin:

After the tattoo is finished, the tattoo artist will clean and then apply an initial layer of second skin to your fresh tattoo. This layer should be kept in place for the first 24 hours. However, if too much fluid is building up under the film or if the film starts peeling off, you can remove it, clean the tattoo, and reapply it. Remember to let the area dry completely before reapplying a new film.

The following morning (i.e., before the 24 hours have passed), the second skin will be filled with excess ink, blood, and plasma, and your tattoo will probably look like it is covered in black goo. That is completely normal, so do try to keep the second skin on for the full 24 hours.

After 24 hours to have passed, remove the second skin and clean your tattoo with neutral/unscented soap. Then, pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Wait until the area is fully dry, and then reapply a new layer of second skin. This new layer should be kept for 3 to 5 days for optimal results. If fluid continues to build up in significant amounts after the second application, you may remove and reapply a film once more. As mentioned, the second skin is waterproof, so you can shower without worrying about your tattoo.

Once the 3 to 5 days have passed, it’s time to remove the film! If it proves challenging to remove, you can gently apply warm water to the area as you pull it off (e.g., in the shower). The skin will appear wrinkled and may feel slightly sore after removal, which is completely normal. Clean your tattoo with antibacterial soap, let it dry, and then apply a small amount of Aquaphor ointment. Continue to apply ointment to your tattoo while the healing process continues. Please be cautious when using creams that contain cortisone, as they may cause damage to the tattoo, and prioritize natural creams over chemical ones.

Aftercare Instructions without Second Skin:

The process without a second skin is not dissimilar to healing with a second skin, except for requiring some more active care from you. After the tattoo is finished, your tattoo artist will clean the tattoo and wrap it up in cling film. You should keep this cling film on for 2 to 3 hours. Unwrap your tattoo, then wash it with unscented antibacterial soap. Let it dry or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel.

Avoid cleaning the tattoo under running water; instead, gently splash the area with water or, if the tattoo is large or difficult to reach, wash it lightly in the shower. After the area has dried completely, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the tattooed area, spreading it evenly across the skin. As before, do not use creams containing cortisone and do prioritise natural creams.

You can re-wrap the tattooed area with cling film for the following night to prevent it from rubbing against your sheets or getting dirt on it. Do not, however, cover the tattoo in this way after the first night. Continue cleaning the tattoo regularly and applying thin, even layers of Aquaphor for at least 1 to 2 weeks or until the tattoo appears healed. Avoid over-applying creams or ointments; excessive cream can suffocate the area and negatively impact the final healed result.

Do's

  • Remove the bandage carefully – in the shower if it seems to stick.
  • Wash the tattoo with warm water and mild soap, gently lather with hand.
  • Rinse the tattoo well with warm water until the surface feels squeaky clean.
  • Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.

Don't

  • Do NOT use products with aloe, scent, alcohol, exfoliant, or cortisone.
  • Do NOT pick or scratch your new tattoo. If it’s itchy, use a bit of lotion.
  • Do NOT expose the tattoo to direct sunlight, soak in a tub, pool, lake, ocean, etc., for at least 2 weeks.

Products we recommend:

Soap: Unscented Dove or Dial Antibacterial 

Aftercare: Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Hustle Butter

Lotion: Eucerin Orignal Lotion or Lubriderm fragrance-free lotion

Questions or concerns? Please call us directly! 520-709-507