Aftercare
Your tattoo will be covered in a breathable, clear bandage after your appointment. It is crucial that the bandage stays adhered to your skin for the first 24 hours, but ideally up to 4 days, after your appointment. If the bandage starts to peel up and gets water underneath it, or if any of your tattoo is uncovered by the tattoo, it is time to take it off.
To remove your tattoo bandage, first ensure your hands are washed well with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds). Pick a corner or edge and slowly start to peel it up or down, keeping as close as you can to the skin. Do not pull the bandage quickly or outward, as this can rip away scabs and some ink from your skin.
Once the wrap is removed, gently rinse the fresh tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap that’s safe for tattoos. It is best to use your hand instead of a washcloth, and use minimal (if any) pressure. Slosh the soapy water onto the skin to gently rinse off any blood or fluids that may be seeping from the tattoo, which is completely normal. These fluids include blood, plasma, and extra ink. Avoid putting the newly tattooed skin directly under a stream of water.
Allow the skin to dry. Don’t rub the skin with a towel. Rather, if you aren’t letting it air dry, very gently pat the skin dry with a soft, clean cloth or a clean kitchen paper towel, which can then be discarded immediately. Once the tattoo bandage is removed, it is unnecessary to wrap the tattoo again with any plastic or bandages.
Skin Care
Wait around ten minutes after first washing your tattoo before applying a hydrating ointment. Always wash your hands before applying a thin layer of ointment to your fresh tattoo. Use only a small amount, and spread it evenly. If you use too much, it can suffocate the skin and lead to poor healing.
Once your tattoo starts to appear to flake, usually around the second or third day after the bandage is removed, you can switch from the thicker ointments to a daily lotion. Just like the ointment, lotions that are fragrance free have a lower risk of interfering with your healing skin.
Make it last forever
During the first two weeks after your tattoo appointment, you may notice the tattoo looks a bit dull or cloudy, and scabs may form. This is a normal part of the healing process. Please don’t pick at any scabs or peel off the dry skin as this could damage the tattoo, remove ink, or lead to scarring.
Your tattoo will look fresh and even after the two week mark if you apply lotion daily and avoid infection of your healing skin. Because tattooing involves puncturing your skin, your skin is open and at risk for infection while it heals. To prevent any water-borne germs from entering your wounds, avoid hot tubs, baths, and bodies of water for those first two weeks and always wash your hands prior to applying lotion.
The best ways to keep your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant is to keep it hydrated and protected from UV light (sun exposure). Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can be a layer of protection, but the best coverage comes in the form of wearing protective clothing that doesn’t expose your new ink to the risk of fading.
If you experience any redness, streaking or swelling around your tattoo design, fever, rash or new oozing in the first week of your appointment, please reach out to your healthcare provider, as these can be signs of infection.
