Aftercare
What To Expect: It is normal for your tattoo to be tender, itchy and red. Sometimes a tattoo may ooze clear or ink colored fluid and/or feel sore in the first week. The tattoo will normally develop a thin crust that will flake and peel away (similar to a sunburn) and sometimes larger scabs can develop. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your tattoo please contact your artist.
Taking Off Your Bandage: depending on your preference, your artist will either use a saniderm bandage, or a coban bandage.
Taking Off Your Bandage: depending on your preference, your artist will either use a saniderm bandage, or a coban bandage.
Saniderm: you can choose to leave your Saniderm bandage on up to 7 days, but if needed you can take it off at any time, including the first day. Saniderm will protect your tattoo during the healing process and help it heal faster. Take your Saniderm bandage off if: 1) the bandage begins to leak blood or fluid 2) outside moisture gets into your bandage 3) skin irritation occurs
Coban: Coban is a pressure wrap used with a soft pad to absorb bleeding and fluid during the first few hours after your tattoo. Leave this bandage on for 2-4 hours, no less and no longer and be in a clean environment before removing your bandage.
Bandage Removal:
-When you are ready to take off your bandage be home and ready to properly wash it. Once your bandage comes off you do not re-apply it.
-Wash your tattoo with liquid hand soap from a pump (gentle/mild formula) and your fingertips only. NEVER scrub with a luffa or a poof. We recommend Dr. Bronners Magic Soap Unscented.
DO NOT USE: bar soap, dish soap, antibacterial soap or body wash.
-After washing, pat dry with a clean paper towel. NEVER leave your tattoo wet.
Everyday Care:
-Wash your tattoo at least once a day and if it gets dirty throughout the day. Try to avoid over washing as this will cause damage to your tattoo.
-The day after you get your tattoo or if you use a saniderm bandage, the day you take the saniderm off is when you start using an aftercare product. Always wash your hands before applying an aftercare product. When applying, make sure you use a very small amount (the size of a grain of rice) at a time. Put it on your fingertips first and work it between your fingertips before applying it to the tattoo. You do NOT want your tattoo looks shiny, wet, or moist with aftercare product.
-Apply aftercare product regularly after every wash after drying the tattoo. You may also apply if your tattoo if feeling uncomfortably dry or itchy.
Recommended Aftercare Products: Tatwax or white unscented lotion
What To Avoid:
-NEVER soak your tattoo in water. Showers are ok, but no prolonged showers, baths, hot tubs or swimming while your tattoo is healing.
-NO tanning of any kind during the healing process. Avoid the sun or cover tattoo if sun exposure is unavoidable. Once tattoo is healed, always use sunscreen during sun exposure. Sun exposure if the reason tattoos fade.
NEVER USE: Pure aloe, alcohol, Neosporin, triple-anti-biotic ointment, or Vaseline