Aftercare
Congratulations on your new tattoo! The responsibility of caring for it is yours from the point you leave the studio, so please take good care of it!
You will be going home with your choice of bandage covering the tattoo:
1.) "Traditional"- Plastic Wrap and medical tape. This covering should be left on 30min-2hrs, and once it is removed, should NOT be re-bandaged.
2.) "Second Skin"- A clear adhesive bandage that covers the entire tattoo, and collects blood/plasma accumulation. Stays on for 24-48 hours, then is removed at home by the client, thoroughly cleaned with antibacterial soap, dried, and a second bandage may be re-applied for 3-5 days.
The First Day
Step 1: Before touching the tattooed area, wash your hands thoroughly with unscented antibacterial hand soap, such as Softsoap or Dial Then remove the bandage carefully. The tattoo should never be re-bandaged after this point.
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Step 2: Gently lather the tattooed area with the antibacterial hand soap using your fingertips to thoroughly but gently cleanse the area. Make sure to remove all ink residue and blood/plasma on the surface of the skin. the tattooed area should be smooth and completely clear of any remaining residue.
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Step 3: Rinse the tattooed area with lukewarm water until all soap is cleaned off. Then use a clean sheet of paper towel to gently pat dry.
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Step 4: Allow the tattoo to continue air drying for 20-30 minutes.
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Step 5: Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo balm to the tattooed area. It is very important to make sure you do not apply too much. A small amount goes a long way. Apply until you have an almost invisible and very thin layer.
Healing Process
Repeat steps 1-5 twice a day for the next 5 days. After 5 days, you can switch to unscented lotion or coconut oil to keep the skin moisturized and protected. This will aid in the overall healing process. Be sure not to suffocate the skin with too much lotion. Like Aquaphor, a small amount goes a long way. Continue this process for the next 3-4 weeks until the skin is fully healed and back to 100% normal and smooth.
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Your tattoo will go through a peeling phase, which is normal and should be no concern. Try to be patient and gentle during this time. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo, allow the peeling to complete on its own. Gently moisturizing with lotions to keep it from getting too dry can prevent this discomfort. Your tattoo may form some minor scabs or areas of tougher peeling skin. This too should be treated gently and patiently. Everyone heals at a different pace.
Special Attention
Try to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing around the tattooed area as to avoid friction and irritation. You can get your new tattoo wet, but be careful not to soak the tattoo under water until it is fully healed. Showering is perfectly fine, just avoid the tattooed area with your regular soaps and wash the tattoo separately with the antibacterial soap and your fingertips. Avoid swimming and direct sunlight until the tattoo is fully healed. Even after it is fully healed, a high SPF sunblock is highly recommended to ensure the colors stay vibrant. The sun can be one of the most damaging elements to a tattoo.