Aftercare Guide
Things to keep in mind
A quick reminder of what needs to be avoided during the healing process. The healing process takes on average about 4 weeks, and can take up to 6 months to fully settle into the epidermis.
- No submerging of your tattoo. No baths, pools, or hot tubs. Showering is fine.
- No direct sunlight
- No excessive sweating during the first week of the healing process. This includes saunas and vigorous exercising.
- Avoid tight clothing. This can cause smothering, rubbing, or sticking to the fabric of your clothing. Let your tattoo breathe as much as possible in the first week of healing.
- Avoid using any fragrant soaps or aftercare products.
- Avoid letting debris come in contact with your tattoo. Keeping it clean will help avoid infection.
Second Skin Healing
Depending on the way you were tattooed there are two options with the second skin healing.
The first option is for your artist to apply the second skin bandage immediately after the appointment and leaving this bandage on for 3-5 days and then to begin the after care process of washing and moisturizing.
The second option is to change the initial bandage after the first night, and reapply a bandage which you will keep on for 3-5 days.
If you start to notice any signs of irritation or allergy - such as hives, pimples, or an odour, listen to your body and take the bandage off right away. If your bandage is starting to peel and the seal around your tattoo is broken, contact your artist. your artist may want to replace your bandage or have you start the aftercare process. If you have any questions about healing please do not hesitate to contact your artist.
When you are ready, you can take the bandage off in the shower. Be sure to slowly and carefully peel the bandage off to not damage your skin.
Make sure to wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Use a mild, in scented soap to wash your tattoo.
Do not use any towels, cloths or loofas as these can hold bacteria and transfer to your tattoo. After showering either let your tattoo air dry or pat dry with a fresh piece of paper towel.
Once your tattoo has dried apply a thin layer of your aftercare cream. Do not over saturate your tattoo, you want your skin to have absorbed the lotion and no excess sitting on top of the skin.
Keep your tattoo clean by washing your tattoo daily and apply your after care cream 2-3 times a day.
By day 14 your tattoo should be settling well into the skin. Keep in mind it takes a month for your tattoo to heal properly and up to 6 months to settle into the epidermis.
Keep your skin healthy and nourished to give your tattoo the best heal possible.
Traditional healing
With this type of healing your artist will either use saran wrap or a non-adhesive bandage to wrap your tattoo.
The day of your appointment, before going to sleep you will want to wash and re-wrap your tattoo. Ensure your hands are clean before touching your tattoo. Wash your tattooed area with an antibacterial soap, and be sure to be gentle as it will be tender.
Pat dry your tattoo with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
Once your tattoo is dry apply a new layer of saran wrap over your tattoo and use medical tape to secure in place. Be mindful when you go to sleep that your tattoo may leak fluid and can stain your bed sheets.
On the second day you will want to unwrap and clean your tattoo. You will notice a slimy layer with ink and plasma. This is normal. You will want to wash your tattoo thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Ensure to wash off any plasma, blood, and expelled ink. Let your tattoo air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Once dry apply a thing layer of aftercare cream.
Repeat the washing process daily and apply your aftercare cream 2-3 times a day until fully healed.
During the healing process your tattoo will flake and/or scab. This is normal. Do not pick at your tattoo as this can cause harm to your tattoo and cause ink to ‘fall out’. During the healing process always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.