Aftercare
Whether it's your first tattoo or you just need a refresher, I've got you covered.
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What you'll need
The supplies you'll need to purchase to ensure a good heal.
I do not provide materials necessary for your healing process, but you can pick them up at your local pharmacy
Soap
Antibacterial hand soap
Dial and Dove recommended
Unscented
MUST say anti-bacterial on the packaging
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Saniderm or Aquaphor
You will decide whether the Saniderm or Aquaphor methods best fits your needs. Saniderm is also known as Tegaderm, Recovery Derm, DermShield and Second Skin.
Lotion
Unscented Lotion
NO added fragrances
Best to find an all-natural / chemical free brand
Lubriderm recommended
The First
24 Hours
After you first get your tattoo, I will apply a non-adhesive bandage to the area or wrap it with Saran wrap. You will leave the wrapping on for 1-2 hours to ensure cleanliness and sterilization. After you take it off, give the tattoo it's first wash with water and unscented anti-bacterial soap. Some good brands are Dial and Dove, just make sure that the label specifically says anti-bacterial. This will help make sure that your tattoo stays infection-free and clean. You may wrap it again before bed with the same bandages (ask for extras if you plan on doing this) or Saran wrap. Wear loose clothing on the affected areas, and try to sleep in a position that does not irritate your new tattoo.
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Do not begin using Saniderm or Aquaphor until Day 2. Your body will purge residual ink and plasma the first night of getting a new tattoo, and these methods may trap these liquids on the surface of the tattoo. It is best just to air it out and begin fresh tomorrow.
Healing Process
Saniderm/ Tegaderm Method
This method is my most recommended, as it will act as a barrier to the outside world and prevent many common healing mistakes. Do NOT use if you have an adhesive allergy. Around 40% of people have sensitivities or allergies to adhesive. If you have a mild sensitivity to adhesive, be very cautious and make sure to remove the bandage and switch to using Aquaphor if feeling sore, or if itchiness or redness occurs around the bandage.
On day 2 of your heal, pick up some Saniderm/ Tegaderm bandages from your local pharmacy. You can find them in the first aid section. You will also want to pick up some Isopropyl alcohol or alcohol prep pads, and an unscented lotion.
Wash your tattoo with water and unscented anti-bacterial soap, and either wait for it to air-dry or pat dry with a paper towel. Sanitize the area further by wiping the tattoo down with Isopropyl alcohol or an alcohol prep pad. This will also completely dry out the surrounding skin, which will make the bandage adhere to the skin easier.
Depending on the brand of bandage chosen, there will be a different way of applying it. I will discuss those with you in person when you get your tattoo. Typically I recommend the name brands Tegaderm, Saniderm or Recovery Derm. If you are able, it is smart to do a patch test beforehand to see if you have any sensitivity to those products. Do the patch test on a piece of skin that is not getting tattooed and wait at least an hour to see how the adhesive affects your skin. If everything looks good, proceed to apply the bandage. If you forgot my instructions, you can find lots of resources on Youtube by searching the specific brand and 'application'. Most bandages have two layers, a paper backing and an adhesive. You will remove the paper backing first, place the adhesive side on the tattoo, and peel off any other plastic pieces. I recommend having at least an inch of a border between the edge of the bandage and your tattoo, in case the bandage peels up at the sides or there is heavy purging in the bandage.
You will often notice excess ink and plasma pool up in the bandage, affectionately referred to as an 'ink sack'. This is the body purging the fluids not necessary to the heal, and may look gross but is completely harmless. It is usually able to stay under the bandage without leaking, but if it starts to leak out before the heal is over, you can either remove the bandage and reapply a new one, or switch to the Aquaphor method for the remainder of the time.
You will keep the bandage on for 3-7 days before removing it. The bandage is water-resistant, but not waterproof. It is perfectly fine to go about your life, shower, and wash your hands. Do not fully submerge your tattoo, so no swimming or baths.
You should intuitively know when it is ready to be taken off, due to itchiness under the bandage or the sides peeling up excessively. When it is time to take it off, do so under a warm shower. Let the water hit the bandage, and peel upwards from the top of the bandage gently, letting water get in between the bandage and your skin. This helps with the pain of removing it and loosens the adhesive grip on the skin. Once it is off, give it a wash with water and unscented anti-bacterial soap.
After the bandage is removed, as long as it is at the scabbing/ itching/ peeling stage, use an unscented lotion such as Lubriderm on it until it is fully healed. You can use as much lotion as you feel is necessary. Do not pick at any scabs or scratch at your tattoo.
After two weeks has passed, you will be free to swim, take baths, and do whatever you wish again. Try to be mindful of the tattoo until this point.
Aquaphor Method
The Aquaphor method is tried and true and is recommended if you have sensitivity or allergies to adhesive.
You will wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap and water 2-3 times a day for the first 3-5 days. Make sure your hands are clean whenever washing your tattoo. You can either let it air dry or pat dry with a paper towel. Never use rough towels to dry the tattoo.
I like to incorporate my washing and Aquaphor schedule in with my daily morning and nighttime routines,
When applying Aquaphor, make sure your hands are clean. Apply immediately after washing the tattoo. Use a very thin layer of Aquaphor. It is better to feel it and not see it, so you do not over moisturize. The thicker the Aquaphor, the more likely it is to trap contaminants in it throughout the day.
After you continue this for 3-5 days, the tattoo will feel very dry and itchy. It may appear scab-like at this time. Do not peel or pick at any scabs or scratch your tattoo. This is an indication that you are ready for the final stage of the tattoo, which is lotion.
Apply an unscented lotion to the area whenever you feel like the tattoo is dry. You are welcome to use more lotion when you feel like it needs it. Just make sure that the lotion you purchase is unscented, meaning it should have no fragrances. I recommend the brand Lubriderm.
After the two-week period is over, you may resume daily life and swim and bathe again. Until this time, be mindful of your new tattoo.
After the Initial Heal
Most tattoos take 2-4 weeks to fully heal. At this time, if you notice any lines that did not fully saturate, or color that has become patchy, reach out to me and ask for a touch up. All touch up sessions are free within the first year of getting your tattoo to ensure a good long-term tattoo. Everyone heals differently, at different timelines. If your tattoo takes a bit longer to heal or does not take a certain color well the first time, just let me know and I will make sure you love your tattoo just as much as when you first got it.
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Tattoos may require touched up after the year mark due to sun exposure, aging of the skin, etc. These touch-up sessions will just cost you $50 for a set-up fee.
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Make sure to take good care of your skin, use sunscreen or keep your tattoos out of the sun as much as possible, and moisturize for the best long-term outcome.