Aftercare Instructions

I would like to start by telling you that the final healing results of your NEW TATTOO are now in your hands. I am providing detailed instructions to get you the best results possible. How well you follow these instructions will be up to you. If you care about how your tattoo will look after the healing process do not take shortcuts. Please read all of the things explained to you on this page, and GET IT DONE!

With that being said, here is the most important tip for the best healing results. THE TYPE OF PRODUCTS you use (SOAP AND OINTMENT) are not as crucial as THE WAY YOU USE THEM. Using the “best” or most expensive soap and ointments on your tattoo does not mean you will magically ge the best results. THE WAY YOU USE THE PRODUCTS are what will really help your tattoo heal properly. How CLEAN the tattoo is after you use the soap, and how MUCH OINTMENT you APPLY to the tattoo is what will make the difference in your tattoo healing process!

You cannot leave the shop with your tattoo exposed! I offer Second Skin Layer protective tape to completely cover your tattoo. If your tape comes off within 24 hours after leaving the shop, please return for a new application of tape. If it has been more than 24 hours we cannot apply more tape due to the stage of healing. Instead, please follow the cleaning care instructions below. I cannot guarantee there will be no allergic reactions to the Second Skin Layer Tape. It is normal for your tattoo to lose fluid and ink within the first 3 days. As long as the fluid stays contained within the plastic tape, it is okay.

*If you have redness, itching, leaking, or any other discomfort after 4 days, carefully remove all tape being sure not to damage the tattoo. If there are no complications with your tattoo, you MUST keep the Second Skin Layer tape on for 5 days. After 5 days slowly and carefully remove the Second Skin Layer tape and follow care instructions below.

If you do not wish to use this covering for any reason, I will provide you with plastic Saran Wrap. Please note that Saran Wrap is not a safe bandage for protecting your new tattoo. This is a temporary solution.

*You MUST leave the Saran Wrap on for 1 to 3 hours maximum; remove it before 3 hours if possible. Immediately after removing Saran Wrap, follow the care instructions below:

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO:

1. wash your tattoo with mild soap and water.by foaming the soap in your hands and gently applying it to your tattoo.

(DO NOT USE HOT WATER AND DO NOT RUB THE TATTOO WITH THE SOAP DIRECTLY OR USE ANY ABRASIVE

MATERIALS SUCH AS SPONGES, LOOFAHS, WASH CLOTHS, ETC ON YOUR TATTOO.

2. Rinse the tattoo with plenty of water to make sure all of the soap is gone.

3. Gently pat tattoo with CLEAN paper towel ONLY.

DO NOT USE CLOTH BATH TOWELS OR TOILET PAPER TO DRY TATTOO.

4. Allow to air dry for a few minutes.

5. Apply a very thin layer of AQUAPHOR ointment to your tattoo and gently massage it completely into the skin. FOR BEST RESULTS, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE AQUAPHOR FOR OTHER OINTMENTS.

6. Remove any excess ointment by dabbing off with the palm of your hand. Then clean your hand with a paper towel and repeat until your skin doesn’t have any excess ointment on it. Too much Aquaphor ointment can cause additional damage such as pimples and rashes which can cause a longer healing process.

7. Apply the ointment in the morning, afternoon, and before going to bed for the first 5 days. Also apply after taking a

shower.

DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo!

DO NOT pick or scratch your tattoo.

DO NOT expose your tattoo to any direct sunlight for at least two weeks.

AVOID EXCESSIVE WATER

DO NOT soak or submerge your tattoo in water: NO hot tubs, pools, lakes, oceans, ponds, etc. until your tattoo is fully healed!

AVOID EXCESSIVE ACTIVITIES THAT CAUSE SWEATING: NO heavy workouts, steam baths, Jacuzzi, and saunas. The heat and steam will have the same effect as being underwater. Your pores will open, and chances of having a faded tattoo are more predominant. Take lukewarm or semi-cold showers. That will help the pores

stay tight and help prevent fading of color.

WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING

Make sure air can get to your tattoo no matter what you are doing. Keep clothing loose so that it does not rub against your tattoo especially before the first 5 days. Avoid wearing shoes and socks, if your new tattoo is on your foot. If possible, keep your tattoo exposed to air and avoid clothing that can stick to or irritate the fresh tattoo. If you can’t keep it exposed to air, wear loose, soft clothing.

FAILING TO FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALING TIME AND PREVENT

THE TATTOO FROM LOOKING IT’S BEST.

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM OUR CLIENTS

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WAIT TO GO TO THE GYM?

Goin to the gym while your tattoo is healing is really risky. The chance of getting a bacteria infection is high and also the long sweating can affect the healing process! Wait until your scab is gone around 5 days and you will not have to visit the artist for a touch up!!

CAN I GO TO THE BEACH OR POOL A WEEK AFTER GETTING THE TATTOO?

If your tattoo is not fully healed ( the scab is gone) is not good to soak your tattoo in any water! There is risk of bacteria and probably you will loose ink while affecting the healing process: your body create layers over the damage in your skin after 24 hours of getting a tattoo. If you have it wet for too long those layers can be damaged !! Also the SUN light may affect those layers as well. You May go anywhere making sure not to go into the water or getting exposed to the sun without clothing over the tattoo.

CAN I LEAVE THE TATTOO TO CURE BY ITSELF WITHOUT OINTMENT?

The ointment is essential to keep your tattoo moisturize and let your body create a minimum scab that eventually will peal faster!! If you don't moisturize it the tattoo will create a thick scab that may take ink out making it look faded!!

IS SUN BLOCKER EFFECTIVE TO BE EXPOSE AT THE SUN?