Tattoo aftercare

Step 1: 

• If using Dermshield (second skin) adhesive bandaging, leave wrap on for a maximum of 4 days. It is waterproof for showering purposes. Remove the wrapping sooner if there are any signs of irritation or of the bandage opening. Remove by pulling the plastic parallel to your skin, and gently applying soapy water.
• If using plastic wrap, leave on no more than 4-6 hours after your tattoo appointment. Remove and wash both your hands and tattoo with antibacterial, unscented soap. Re-wrap if you are going into an unclean environment or to bed for the first 2-4 days. Repeat this wrapping process every 4-6 hours until your tattoo feels dry.

Step 2:

• Wash your hands with a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap, like Dial Gold, before touching your new tattoo. Using the same soap and lukewarm water, gently clean your tattoo with your handsand pat it dry with a paper towel or let air dry. 
• Wash your tattoo gently 2x/day for the first 2 weeks to remove plasma, excess ink, and any bacteria introduced by your environment. 

Step 3: 

• When your tattoo begins to feel dry, and only after cleaning your tattoo with antibacterial soap, wash your hands again and apply tattoo-safe balm (Mad Rabbit, Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, etc.). Use a thin layer of ointment 2-3x/day as needed.
• Do not share ointment with anyone or for any other purpose; double-dipping can lead to a staph infection.

*The better care you take of your skin, the better your tattoo will look*

*Healing times vary from person to person, but on average take anywhere from 2-8 weeks based on size and intensity*

For both tattoos and piercings, there are certain things you should avoid during the first 2-6 weeks (until your tattoo/piercing is fully healed) to help the healing process go along smoothly.

• Do not submerge your tattoo/piercing under bodies of water (baths, pools, lakes, hot tubs, etc.)
• Do not scratch or pick at any scabbing. Let it fall off on its own/ as you clean it.
• Be wary of clothing that may irritate your fresh tattoo/piercing through movement.
• Do not twist or remove your jewelry until it is fully healed to dissuade swelling.
• Avoid excess sun exposure that can damage your skin for the first 4-6 weeks of your tattoo.
• Avoid applying chemicals like sunblock, makeup, spray tan, perfumes, etc. 
• Avoid sleeping on your new body art for the first week at least, in order to avoid excess swelling.
• Avoid letting pet dander or saliva contaminate your fresh body art.

*Please seek medical advise from a healthcare professional at the first signs of infection*