AFTERCARE
All artists will have a slightly different recommendation for aftercare. Generally speaking, you should do what works best for your healing if you’ve gotten a tattoo before. You know your body best. There is no one right way; there are some ways better than others, which entirely depends on the kind of tattoo you got and your skin type. If you don’t know what works, or want to try something different, it may be best to simply follow what your artist recommends.
+ Important Information
• Please only ever wash your tattoo with clean hands, wash your hands with antibacterial soap before you wash your tattoo.
• Avoid heavy sweating in or around the area of your tattoo for at least two weeks after your appointment.
• DO not soak your tattoo in any waters (lakes, ocean, pool, bathtub, etc) for at lease one month after your appointment.
• Use SPF sunscreen anytime your tattoo is in the sun.
• Wear clean, comfortable clothes that won't rub on your tattoo! Change your sheets, and don't let pets near your tattoo.
• Never drown your tattoo in too much ointment, salve or lotion. It needs to breath!
+ What to do if you have Saniderm?
• If Saniderm falls off during healing, gently remove the bandage and wash with clean hands and liquid (non scented) soap.
• To remove Saniderm run lukewarm water over it as you peel it back.
• DO not soak your tattoo in any waters (lakes, ocean, pool, bathtub, etc) for at lease one month after your appointment.
• Once removed, lather soap and gently wash your tattoo clean, thoroughly removing any blood, ink and plasma that is left behind, and fully rinsing the soap away.
• Once clean, air dry for a couple of minutes or gently tap your tattoo clean with a paper towel.
+ What to do if you don't have Saniderm (or after you remove Saniderm)
• Leave your first, standard bandage on for at lease a couple hours, or up to overnight if necessary.
• Before removing bandage, wash your hands thoroughly.
• Once removed, lather liquid soap in clean hands, and with lukewarm, running water, gently wash your tattoo clean, thoroughly removing any blood, ink and plasma that is left behind and fully rinsing the soap away.
• Air dry completely, or gently tap dry with a clean paper towel.
• Once dry, apply a thin layer of a natural, scent-free salve, ointment or lotion. Repeat this process of washing your tattoo and applying ointment twice a day until tattoo is fully healed.
+ What to expect?
• Your tattoo and the surrounding area may be swollen and red for up to the next week.
• Ink may come to the surface, this is normal, wash this away and reapply ointment.
• Do not let your tattoo stick to sheets or clothing.
• Your tattoo may form a thin scab, this is normal, never pick at your tattoo!
• Your tattoo may form a thin scab, this is normal, never pick at your tattoo!
• Shading may fade, and colors may dull a bit as they heal, the tattoo will heal fully after about a month.