Tattoo aftercare -

✨the basics, explained✨

 

   
I have all the information you need to heal your new tattoo, so don’t worry! If you need an aftercare card to take home, please let me know before you leave. 

 

• ✨The most important thing is to keep it clean. Antibacterial liquid soap is the standard. Dial Gold, Softsoap, and any store-brand antibacterial liquid hand soap are all acceptable. Fragrance-free preferably.
• ✨I like to recommend high-quality liquid Vitamin E Oil to my clients, as I’ve observed over the years that my work heals very well with its use. It's safe and appropriate to use for any and all skin types. It helps increase new skin cell turnover rates as well as destroys free radicals, inhibits inflammation, and creates a breathable barrier that improves the skin's ability to retain its natural moisture. It's amazing! 
• ✨Any lotions should list water as the first ingredient, that way you know it actually will moisturize. Lotion does not heal wounds; it's only for dryness and itching after the skin has closed itself.
• ✨Avoid petroleum-based products! Aquaphor is a great skin surface protectant and barrier, but does not heal skin. It even says on the package, "DO NOT USE ON OPEN WOUNDS," and a tattoo is exactly that, an open wound. In fact, it creates a water-retaining barrier that can act on freshly tattooed skin like soaking it in water. This can promote waterlogged skin and bacterial growth, and prevent air circulation. Stay away from petroleum!
• ✨Avoid fragranced products, as they can irritate open wounds, cause dermatitis, or allergic reactions. 
• ✨Topical products should be applied THINLY, don’t overdo it!
• ✨Wash your hands before touching a new tattoo or applying any topical products. It is an open wound and should be kept clean and dry. 
• ✨Don't ever pick at your healing tattoo! I know the dry spots are irresistible and itchy, but do not peel, scratch, or pick the dry skin off your tattoo. You could pull spots of ink out before they have a chance to heal properly, making faded areas that will need touch ups. Don't do it!
• ✨Drink plenty of water, and eat a balanced diet. Food and hydration really have a huge impact on healing and immunity, and the better you fuel your body, the better it heals itself. 
• ✨And something to keep in mind is, LESS IS MORE!

 

 

✨After your appointment ✨

 

• ✨You will leave the shop with your tattoo wrapped in cling film (with or without dri-lok padding) OR Recovery Dermshield, which is a second-skin bandage product. You will follow the same care instructions for both methods, starting with Days 4-8 for care with Dermshield.
• *Please be aware that the second-skin bandages have adhesive that may cause allergic or dermatological reactions to people with sensitivities. Please make me aware of any issues so we can make sure your tattoo heals beautifully!
• ✨I will tell you how long to leave it wrapped for before you leave. Anywhere from 1 hour to overnight for cling film, and 3-5 days maximum for second-skin products is the average.
• ✨Start the aftercare the same day as unwrapping your tattoo.
• 🛑🛑🛑 Lotions, balms, oils, salves, and ointments do not heal wounds. The skin heals itself! All topical products are only used to moisturize and provide itching and dryness relief. THIN APPLICATIONS ARE VITAL. Any product applied thickly will promote waterlogged skin, create thick scabbing, and create bacteria-friendly environments. Avoid petroleum products and heavily fragranced products. Avoid topical antibiotic ointments unless directed by a physician! 
• 🛑🛑🛑Always wash your hands! Keeping your skin clean is the most important part of any healing process. Moisturizer is optional, SOAP is Mandatory! 

 

✨When you unwrap your tattoo, wash it with warm to hot water and an antibacterial liquid soap gently with JUST your hands. No washcloths, no loofahs, no scrubbing of any kind! Any colored goo coating the tattoo is just ink and plasma and completely beneficial for your skin, I promise. Do not scrape or peel any goo off the tattoo; it should come off with gentle washing. Pat or air dry and let it breathe. It should remain uncovered as much as possible during the entire healing process. If necessary, wear CLEAN loose-fitting, breathable garments to cover up for work. No tight-fitting clothing over the freshly tattooed skin until after the skin has healed over and is no longer open. Use CLEAN sheets and towels while it is healing. 

 

Days 1-3(after unwrapping)

 

Wash gently with antibacterial liquid soap and warm water NO MORE than 3 times a day, once in the AM, once before bed, and once during the day if necessary due to sweat or dirt. Pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Try not to apply any topical products for the first 3 days, as the tattooed skin needs to dry a bit to stimulate the growth of a new protective layer of skin cells. Over-washing strips your skin of its natural oils and promotes a thick layer of scabbing prematurely, which can affect the healed tattoo. So don’t overdo it! LESS IS MORE! 

 

Days 4-8

 

Continue with the wash/ dry routine, now adding some Vitamin E Oil after the last wash before bed. You don’t need much; just a few drops will be plenty. LESS IS MORE!  It should not be saturated, but a thin, even layer is perfect. Gently rub it into the skin with clean hands and let it breathe. If you need to wash in the middle of the day, apply the oil at that time in addition to before bed. Don’t save opened capsules; discard them so they do not become contaminated. Trust me, it’s not worth the potential for infection!

 

 

Days 9-14

 

Continue with the above routines. You can now add a small amount of unscented, water-based lotion 1-2 times a day for any dry feeling or itch. LESS IS MORE! Always use clean hands!

 

 

Day 15 and Beyond

 

You no longer need the oil to moisturize, and you can continue the lotion as needed for regular skin care. 

 

And that’s it! Your tattoo should heal to the touch within 14-16 days, and should be healed completely within 2 months. If we are working on large-scale projects over multiple sittings, it is recommended to wait at least 4 weeks to allow body recovery between sittings, and 6 weeks or more before reworking an area for touch-ups. Golden rule-If it’s shiny, it’s still healing! 

 

 

 

What about Dry Healing?

 

Dry-healing is a method that works for some people, and it’s your choice to do it. It’s literally just washing the tattoo to keep it clean and applying no moisturizing products to the tattoo as it heals, just letting the body do what it do. It works well for most people! It’s potentially slightly more uncomfortable, and the healing process takes longer. But for some people, it’s the method that works for them. Do what’s best for your skin! I’ve dry healed a lot of my own tattoos, and it’s really easy. Just remember that skin heals itself, regardless of anything we put on it. Again, LESS IS MORE! ;) Just make sure you stay hydrated! 

 

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Every body is different, and all skin has different sensitivities. Please listen to your body when it tells you things! Don't be afraid to ask questions or even consult with a doctor. Some of the products I use, recommend, or provide may cause reactions. If a product stings or burns or is uncomfortable either during the tattoo process or during aftercare, tell me immediately, discontinue use, and immediately wash it off with soap and water. Simple is always best. 

 

And always feel free to reach out to me via email or text to ask any questions you may have! I will always do my best to answer as truthfully and accurately as possible.