Aftercare
For Tattoos and Piercings
For Tattoos and Piercings
A fresh tattoo should be treated like an open wound. After all the skin has been broken and ink has been deposited. It is normal for the tattooed skin to feel raw, sore and sensitive.
Every body heals differently and every tattooer offers their own advice through their own experiences and expertise. Some lotions, ointments, or soaps that may work for one individual may not work for another.
Typically when a tattoo is finished the tattooer will wrap the tattoo with either a long-wear bandage or plastic wrap. These are both effective to allow the tattoo to have a barrier to help the skin cure. Both bandages are non-absorbent so expect some leaking. Under the bandage you will find excess pigment, blood, plasma, and ointment. The reason we use plastic rather than gauze is due to the fact that fresh tattoos will stick. The amount of hours of leaving on said bandages varies; if it is a long-wear bandage it can be worn up to 48 hours. If it is plastic wrap we generally recommend 2-3 hours.
The best way to remove the long-wear bandage is to peel up a corner and pull slowly out, not up. Once some of the bandage is loose try to remove the rest of the bandage in the shower as to make the removal easier.
Once you remove the bandage use an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap to gently clean off any ointment and bodily fluids. Make sure to wash your hands first and then wash the area. Pat tattoo with clean paper towels or let air-dry.
Apply your moisturizer of choice. The general rule is to use a fragrance-free lotion. Avoid scented lotions and petroleum-based products. Apply lotion 2-3 times a day, ONLY AFTER WASHING THE TATTOO. The key is to keep the area clean. Your tattoo should never be sticky or greasy, always rub in moisturizers completely! Do not over do it!
Prepare to wear soft loose clothing and use bed sheets you do not mind staining. You do not want your fresh tattoo sticking to your sheets or clothing. If this happens wet the affected area and slowly remove the material. To prevent this avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo.
When you shower, make it quick and do not soak the tattoo until it is FULLY healed (generally 2 weeks). Avoid picking or scratching the tattoo. Your skin is healing and will be itchy, so apply the fragrance free lotion to ease it. Soaking and/or scratching the tattoo can possibly lead to infection, scarring, and/or pigment loss.
If your tattoo is inflamed or oozing, contact your tattooer immediately and if necessary seek a medical professional.
DON’TS
• Do not use: things containing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic creams or ointments (i.e. neopsorin).
• Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, especially while healing. Once fully healed always us an SPF 30+ to protect your tattoo from fading.
• Do not submerge the tattoo in any sort of water, this includes but is not exclusive to; hot tubs, swimming pools, and any large body of water.
• Do not re-bandage your tattoo.
What to Expect:
Sea Salt Soaks:
Sterile Sea Salt Spray:
In The Shower:
Additional Care