Aftercare

Healing process:

The healing process is generally the same for most people. Although there is no set standard there are a few basic actions that you’ll want to take while your tattoo is healing.

  1. Tattoos take about two weeks to heal. It will go through a couple stages of healing. It will get tight and dry, and then start to peel. Sometimes, Depending on how much work you had on the skin, there can be scabbing and thick pieces of skin that flake off . Do not be alarmed this is normal. If you do get scabs DO NOT PICK AT THEM. Let them fall off on their own, if you pick at them you can pull out ink. Make sure you’re gentle with your tattoo.

  2. Always use fragrance free products. Your soap and lotion should always be fragrance free.

  3. Avoid petroleum based products as they can clog the pours which can lock in moisture and bacteria and lead to irritation.

  4. Wash 2-3 times a day with lukewarm water and gently cleanse the tattoo. Make sure to wash your hands whenever you’re going to be washing or putting lotion on hour tattoo. Lightly pat dry with CLEAN cloth, or let it air dry, do not scrub the tattoo or be abrasive. Once the tattoo starts to feel a little tight (usually after 2-3 days) start using a fragrance free lotion to moisturize the skin. It’s important to not use too much lotion because you do not want to clog the pours. You want your skin to be able to breathe while still giving it enough moisture to relieve some of the tension from the dryness.

  5. No pools, jacuzzis, ocean, or baths while the tattoo is healing. Do not soak your tattoo in any body of water until the intial healing process is done (3-6 weeks ). You can still shower as normal but make sure to wash your tattoo at the end of the shower with your fragrance free soap.

  6. Keep your tattoo out of the sun while it is healing

  7. Do not use sunscreen on a fresh tattoo. Only apply sunscreen when your tattoo is fully healed as it will help minimize the fading.

  8. Make sure wear loose fitted clothing while your tattoo is healing.

  9. Do not wear jewelry or watches on/ near your healing tattoo.

  10. If at any time you have questions about the healing process do not hesitate to reach out for help.

  11. If you feel like your tattoo is not healing properly seek medical attention from your doctor.

Regular Bandage (with black absorbent pads/ plastic wrap) :

  • Leave bandage on for a couple hours. Before you take off the bandage wash your hands. When you take off the bandage wash your tattoo well with fragrance free soap. Let air dry and apply lotion as needed once it feels tight.

  • Do not rewrap

  • Wash 2-3 times a day and apply lotion after washing once dry.

  • no pools, jacuzzis, oceans or baths until fully healed (3-6 weeks)

  • keep out of the sun

Second Skin :

  • Leave second skin on for 24 hours.

  • Take off under running water as it helps to break down adhesive.

  • Once you take off the second skin wash your tattoo well with fragrance free soap. Let air dry and apply lotion as needed once it feels tight.

  • Do not rewrap

  • Wash 2-3 times a day and apply lotion after washing once dry.

  • no pools, jacuzzis, oceans or baths until fully healed (about two weeks)

  • keep out of the sun

Products I recommend:

I love Dr Bronner’s products. They’re organic, non toxic, and on a moral level I love that they’re fair trade and source their ingredients responsibly. You can check out what they’re all about here https://www.drbronner.com/

The soap comes in a travel size if you do not want to buy the bigger options. The travel size will be more than enough for the duration of the healing. The soap is concentrated so make sure to dilute when using.

You can find these at Sprouts, Wholefoods, Walgreens, CVS, and Riteaid, Plus many other smaller stores.