Step 1- Wrapping
Second Skin. If you are free of adhesive allergies or are getting tattooed in an area less prone to movement, congratulations, you may qualify for using Second Skin! If this is the case, I typically recommend leaving it on for a total of three to five days. Your bandage will accumulate fluid made up of plasma and excess ink, which is nothing to worry about. If this fluid leaks or if any shower water gets in, take the bandage off immediately, wash it with scent-free soap, and follow up with traditional aftercare. Do NOT reseal the bandage, as bacteria can get in there and wreak havoc! When removing the bandage, do so under lukewarm running water, lather with soap, and slowly pull it off. It may feel like pulling off a Band-Aid, so take it slow and easy!
Traditional Wrapping.
If you’re someone for whom a second skin might not be the best option, I’ll most likely wrap you up with some Saran Wrap and gauze. Leave your tattoo wrapped for the rest of the day/overnight and give it a nice wash after removing your bandage.
Step 2-Washing.
After removing your bandage, gently wash your tattoo with scent-free, liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. I personally recommend Dial Gold brand or Soft Soap. Avoid tight-fitting clothing for at least one week if you can, just be mindful of friction or irritation in that area. Once it’s clean, either air-dry it or GENTLY dab it with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Clean your tattoo 2-3 times a day as needed. Without using second skin, your tattoo will “weep” for the first few days, which is totally normal!
Step 3- Moisturizing.
Gently apply a THIN layer of scent-free lotion to your tattoo after washing 2-3 times a day. I personally recommend CeraVe, Cetaphil, scent-free Aveeno, or RX-Tattoo Care. I generally avoid petroleum-based moisturizers such as Aquaphor and ESPECIALLY Vaseline, as they can clog pores and trap bacteria in your new ink. Tattoos like to breathe, so applying a conservative amount of moisturizer in general is my favorite approach. Flaking and minor scabbing are normal. If you’re experiencing excessive scabbing, I like to apply a little jojoba oil and keep it clean at all times!
-NO SOAKING YOUR TATTOO IN WATER FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. Showering is no problem (in fact, I encourage you to shower regularly for everyone’s sake). This does mean no 45-minute depression showers for a while, though, sorry about that! Avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks; once your tattoo is healed, consider sunscreen to be your best friend. Your tattoo should take 2-4 weeks to heal completely.
-While your tattoo is healing, it is an open wound and should be treated as such. Clean clothes and bedding are CRUCIAL. Exposing your tattoo to unsanitary environments increases the risk of infection, which is serious and should be avoided. If you’re concerned your tattoo may be infected, please reach out to me with photos, and we can go from there. If you’re experiencing yellow pus, excessive redness, and pain, contact a medical professional immediately.
-If you experience pigment loss or fallout, please reach out to me as touch-ups are free for the first three years of your tattoo. I am dedicated to providing my clients with a long-lasting, vibrant result!