Aftercare
Traditional
Properly caring for your tattoo in the first two-three weeks is crucial to prevent infection and ensure the best healing of your new art. Remove your bandage within the first few hours. Wash your hands then wash your tattoo with a mild liquid soap. Air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel. Once dry, apply a very small amount of healing ointment to the tattoo. Aquaphor, Redemption, Hustle Butter or coco butter are recommended for the first 5 days. This cleaning and moisturizing process should be repeated three times per day and any time the tattoo could have become dirty. Around day five, the tattoo could start to peel. At this time is it safe to switch to a fragrance free lotion such as Lubriderm or Curel. Always wash your hands before applying lotion or ointment. Be aware, a fresh tattoo is an open abrasion. Any contact with dirty clothes/sheets, surfaces, hands or animals could introduce infectious bacteria to your tattoo. Avoid dirty conditions and clean your tattoo whenever concerned.
DO NOT pick, scratch or peel any skin or scabs. They will come off when ready, often while washing/moisturizing.
DO NOT soak your new tattoo in any water. Regular showers are fine but keep them short until your tattoo is healed.
DO NOT expose healing tattoo to direct sun. Once healed, apply sunblock before sun exposure.
PLEASE immediately reach out to your artist or doctor if there are any concerns of infection. Symptoms of infection could include excessive swelling, redness, yellow discharge and fever.
Second Skin
You and your artist may choose to apply a Second Skin occlusive bandage. This clear bandage can simplify and speed up the healing process. If it remains sealed, it is safe to keep on for 4-7 days. It is safe and normal to see some ink/blood gathering under the bandage. It will typically hold up in a shower but DO NOT submerge in water. Soaking a tattoo within the first two weeks can cause infection and ink fallout. If the bandage starts leaking, peeling or is compromised in any way, remove it immediately. A new bandage can be reapplied immediately but not after long exposure to air and bacteria. If the bandage causes any irritation, please remove it. To remove the Second Skin bandage, gently peel from an edge. Warm soapy water, coconut or vegetable oil can help break down the adhesive. Do not tear the bandage off quickly. Once the bandage is removed, continue to clean and moisturize the tattoo daily until it is healed.