Tattoo Aftercare

Bandage Removal:

● Preparation: Before removing the bandage, ensure your hands are clean and germ-free by washing thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

● Removal: Remove your bandage 3-6 hours after the tattoo is done, unless otherwise instructed. Do not re-wrap the tattoo once the bandage is off. For large work, it's often easier to remove the bandage in the shower so that the tape comes off easier.

● You may notice a lot of ink and plasma on the bandage when you remove it. This is totally normal and means your skin is doing it's job

Cleansing:

● Wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap like Dial Gold, Dove, or unscented Dr. Bronners.

● Avoid overly hot or cold water as they can irritate the skin. Softly but thoroughly cleanse the area, removing any ointment or plasma without harsh scrubbing.

● It's crucial that all of the plasma and ointment is fully removed before applying ointment.

Drying and Moisturizing:

● Drying: Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel, avoiding rubbing to prevent irritation and bacteria introduction.

● Protect and Moisturize: Let the tattoo air dry completely for a few minutes before applying a very thin layer of Aquaphor.

● Less is More: Your tattoo needs to breathe, too much ointment can suffocate it and result in scabbing. So avoid thick applications; a minimal amount is enough to keep it protected without being greasy.

● If the tattoo looks shiny, it means you've applied too much.

First 2-3 Days:

● Continue to clean and apply ointment to your tattoo in the morning and evening. If excessive oozing occurs, wash and then reduce the amount of ointment you're using.

● Your tattoo may still be "weeping" the first night which can stain bed sheets. Wear loose fitting clothing to bed - if you care about your sheets :)

● If your tattoo is stuck to your clothing when you wake up, wet the area before attempting to pull the clothing off.

Ongoing Care:

● After 2-3 days, switch from Aquaphor to a hypoallergenic lotion like Aveeno or Curel. Continue cleaning twice a day and practice the "less is more" approach with lotion to avoid over-moisturizing.

● Expect itching and peeling in the first week as the skin heals. Apply lotion more liberally once peeling begins, but avoid picking at scabs or scratching.

● Please don't soak your tattoo- so no swimming, hot tubs or saunas.

● Exercise is fine, depending on how you feel. Skip the gym, yoga classes and types of exercise that could expose your tattoo to bacteria. 

Sun Protection:

● Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first two weeks. Use sunblock only after a month to protect against UV damage once the tattoo is fully healed.

General Guidelines: 

Water Exposure: Your tattoo can get wet in the shower, but avoid direct streams of water on it. No soaking in baths, swimming pools, or any body of water for at least two weeks.

Healing Variability: Healing times can vary from 2 weeks to 2 months. Adjust the care routine based on how your skin responds, especially in terms of dryness and tightness.