Tattoo Aftercare
Aftercare for tattoos is very important to secure the longevity of a tattoo, so please read carefully!
The first 72 hrs are the most important time to pay attention to aftercare because your tattoo is most prone to infection.
Clients should leave their tattoo film (bandage) on for at least 24 hrs. It will keep your tattoo protected from dirt and other contaminants. Your bandage will be fine in the shower, and morph to your skin for a tight seal. You may notice some ink or blood under your bandage. It may not be super attractive but it’s totally normal.
When it’s time to take the tattoo film off, the best way to do it is in the shower, or running it under warm water to first release the adhesive and prevent from pulling on your skin which can cause irritation.
When your bandage is off you will want to wash it gently with soap and water 1-2 times a day (more if you work out frequently or if you work in an environment that surrounds you with excess contaminants). After washing, apply ointment of your choosing, Vaseline or Aquifer work just fine. Continue this method for about 7 days after your tattoo at minimum, healing will be different for every tattoo.
Things to avoid when taking care of your tattoo:
Do not SCRUB your tattoo area when cleaning.
Do not use soaps or ointments that have “Fragrances” in them, including lotion. (for example “rose fragrance”) These artificial fragrances tend to pull the ink out of your skin.
Do not over-saturate your tattoo! Your tattoo does not need to be caked in ointments, that is not good for it. Please apply sparingly throughout the day.
Do not use products like Neosporin. These products also tend to take draw the ink out of the skin and will leave your tattoo patchy.
Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight! Keep that baby covered!
Do not use SPF products on your tattoo until it is fully healed. SPF will protect your tattoo and the longevity of its brilliance after it is healed, however applying while healing can cause irritation.
Do not pick at your tattoo! I know it’s tempting but it could cause scar tissue, or patchy tattoos.
Do not submerge in water, this includes swimming. Submerging the tattoo in water for extended amounts of time may cause infection, and can draw out ink from your tattoo. Wait at least 14 days to submerge your tattoo in any body of water. Running water from your shower is totally fine.
Do not do any heavy work out for at least 5-7 days.
Do not wear tight clothing or clothing that will cause itching or friction around your tattoo. Wear loose, breathable, and comfortable clothes.
Do not garden in case you are allergic to any pollen or air contaminants, you are even susceptible to bugs etc, that can be harmful for your tattooed area.
Do not allow your pets or other animals in have contact with your tattoo. Don’t let your dogs, cats, or mini horses, lick or scratch your tattoo. If they touch it wash it immediately. We love our animals but they are usually covered in dander and other contaminates we don’t usually think about. So please be cautious at home and make sure your space is cleaned appropriately before you take your bandage off. For example if your animals share things like blankets, or other surfaces, try to clean or temporarily replace them at the beginning states of your healing.
A little bit of redness
Itching
Don’t Panic! These are the signs of a healing tattoo:
Scabbing
Light Swelling
Pealing
Signs and symptoms of infection indicating the need to seek medical care:
Excessive redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site.
If this happens, please seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
Do not wait for a response from your tattoo artist. We are here to advise you. However, we are not medical professionals.
Emergency situations should be taken seriously and considered life-threatening.