TATTOO AFTERCARE
Every tattoo is as unique as the person wearing it, and so is the healing process. The way you care for your new piece will depend on things like the size and placement of your tattoo, your own experience with healing, and even the rhythm of your daily life. Activities like working out or certain movements may need to be adjusted while your skin is mending. The most important thing is to give your tattoo the space and care it needs to heal beautifully, without unnecessary strain or stress. I’ll always guide you with recommendations tailored to your lifestyle, and in the meantime, here’s a general guideline to help your tattoo heal as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
Leave on the bandage that was applied by Charity for 3-5 days, unless instructed otherwise. It is typical, and perfectly fine for blood, ink, and other fluids to collect under the bandage during this time. Until it is time to remove the bandage, be sure to not let shower water hit the bandaged area directly so the adhesive stays strong.
*If your bandage starts peeling off and even partially exposes the tattoo to air, or if it leaks, remove the bandage as soon as possible with the steps below. Follow the instructions in the next section for applying a new bandage.
Run a shower that is lukewarm. Let the water saturate the bandaged area to loosen the adhesive sticking to the skin. If there is adhesive residue on the tattoo, it can be gently removed over a period of one to several days using warm water and soap.
Before removing the bandage, thoroughly wash your hands using a mild, unscented liquid soap with no dyes or harsh chemicals. We like Dr. Bronner’s and H2Ocean Foam soap, both which are available for purchase at our studio.
Slowly remove your bandage inch by inch under the water, being sure to start from the top and peel downward.
Once the bandage is off, lather the same soap in your hand so that it’s nice and foaming, and then gently clean the tattoo with your fingertips, removing the fluids that have collected on the area. Do not exfoliate or scrub, or use any loofahs or washcloths.
Rinse the tattoo until all of the soap is off, and then step out of the shower. To avoid contact with unnecessary germs, do not pat dry or use a bath towel. Let the tattoo air dry, or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. If you are about to apply a new bandage, check with a clean hand that the bare skin around the edge of the tattoo is completely dry beforehand.
If you have completed your 3-5 day regimen with the occlusive bandage, move on to Step 3 of the “Bandage Applied With Tape” aftercare instructions.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
Leave the bandage on for 2 to 4 hours or until you can remove it under clean conditions. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo while it is still fresh and susceptible to germs. There is no need to apply another bandage after the first has been removed.
*Before removing the bandage, thoroughly wash your hands using a mild, unscented soap with no dyes or harsh chemicals. We like Dr. Bronner’s or H2Ocean Foam Soap. After the bandage is removed, wash the tattoo gently with your clean fingertips. To avoid contact with unnecessary germs, do not pat dry with a bath towel. Let the tattoo air dry.
Apply a small amount of the product Charity suggested. (You never want to over-moisturize the tattoo). Charity may encourage you to switch to a different product at some point during the healing process. Some of the lotions we like are Lubriderm, Curel, Vaseline Intensive Care, Aveeno, and H2Ocean (unscented, the fewer chemicals the better). Some of the ointments we like are Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, Aquatat, Vitalitree, Vitamin A+D, and coconut oil. Always wash your hands first and be gentle when applying lotion or ointment. This should be done 1 to 5 times daily.
Tattoos generally take 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Some scabbing may occur and it is very important to let these scabs fall off naturally. Never pick the scabs or pull them off! Scabs that are removed before they are ready to fall off naturally will often result in spotty coloring and longer healing times.
Wear loose, clean clothing around the tattoo. Let it “breathe” as much as possible. Some areas of the body, like feet, are often difficult to avoid covering. In these instances refer to the directions of your tattoo artist.
*Never submerge your tattoo underwater. Showering is fine but remember to be gentle. Don’t soak the tattoo.
Avoid direct sunlight and UV rays. Tanning is very bad for a healing tattoo. Sunblock is also bad for a healing tattoo. However, after your tattoo has completely healed, using sunblock will help reduce fading over the years.
*If you have pets, make sure to avoid getting pet hair on the tattoo.
Working out and other activities may need to be altered during the healing process. Your tattoo artist can advise you on the best way to go about your day-to-day life and still properly care for your tattoo.