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Tattoo Aftercare

About

Every artist recommends something different. What our artist recommends is generally simple but should be taken seriously to ensure the longevity and proper healing of your new body art.

To the side, you may download our Tattoo Aftercare Brochure or below, read more information for caring for your new tattoo. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Download Aftercare:

1. Removing the Bandage - Occlusive Covering vs. Second Skin 

If you had an occlusive bandage (one which you cannot see through) on your tattoo, we typically recommend keeping it on no more than 6 hours. This allows time for the tattoo to finish weeping, but not so long that it will stick to the bandage.

When you are ready to remove the bandage:

  • Wash your hands and gently remove the occlusive covering

  • If you find that the bandage is sticking to the tattoo, you can gently remove it by running it (tattoo, and bandage) under warm running water and carefully peel away from your body. It is normal for a small amount of ink to come off with the bandage at times.

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If you had a second skin (one which you can see the tattoo through) applied on your tattoo, we typically recommend keeping it on no more than 4 - 5 days.

  • During the 4 - 5 day period the tattoo will weep & generally look a little rough before the bandage comes off. Make sure not to judge it too hard while this is happening.

  • The final result will be worth the wait!

  • Once you are ready to remove the bandage:

    • Wash your hands

    • Under warm, running water gently peel up a corner of the bandage

    • Very slowly, pull the bandage upwards - This will help remove the covering without pulling too much ink out. It is normal for a small amount of ink to come off on the bandage, however.

    • Do NOT remove the covering "like a band-aid" in one quick rip!

    • Once your bandage is completely removed, do not re-cover.

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If you notice any irritation such as redness around the outside of the bandage or leakage from the tattoo that leaks outside the bandage, please remove earlier and follow the instructions below. 

Second skin coverings are great (for those without adhesive allergies) because they can allow you to go about your daily business without worrying about damaging your tattoo.

Small bumps and brushes against clothing feel a lot less inflammatory when the sensitive skin is covered. 

2. Clean the Tattoo - Twice a Day

We typically recommend washing the tattoo twice a day (morning & night) with a liquid, mild anti-microbial fragrance free soap. Brands like Cerave, Lubriderm and Dove are acceptable. 

Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.

Run the tattoo under warm, running water and gently lather the tattoo with your chosen soap for at least 30 seconds, ensuring not to use too much friction. Once you are finished, rinse well with warm water.

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Gently pat your tattoo dry with a single use, soft, paper towel. We do not recommend using a bath or hand towel as these can carry bacteria and cause fluffies to get on the tattoo itself. 

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Once you have finished drying your tattoo, you may apply a small amount of unscented fragrance free moisturizer to the tattoo if it feels tight. Make sure to only use just enough to lightly moisten the tattoo; too much can cause scabbing & ink fall out. There is such a thing as too much!

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3. Things to Avoid During Healing

  • Do NOT scratch, itch or pick at the tattoo while it is healing (this is one of the harder parts to avoid - One tip is if your tattoo is itchy, you can slap it or use a "sensory brush" and gently press it into the tattoo to alleviate some of the itching)

  • Avoid direct sunlight, and UV exposure until fully healed (about 2 - 3 weeks) if you need to go in sun, make sure you wear a light covering that will provide protection.

  • Do not submerge your tattoo in any bodies of water (lakes, pools, hot tubs, oceans or baths) until fully healed as this can cause scabbing & pull ink from the tattoo

  • Avoid saunas and tanning (tanning beds, self-tanner and spray tans) until fully healed

  • Do not apply perfumes or body sprays on the tattoo until fully healed

  • Do not exfoliate or shave over the tattoo until fully healed

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4. Things to Avoid Keep in Mind Once Healed

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  • Your tattoo is a living piece of art, that will grow with you as time goes on. It is important to take good care of your skin to ensure your tattoo looks it's best for as long as possible

  • Ensure to gently exfoliate your tattoo once a week to help remove dead skin 

  • Moisturize the tattoo regularly (however much you would like, and whatever brand)

  • It is totally normal for the tattoo to spread and get thicker/blur overtime.
    Fineline tattoos will not look exactly as they were first tattooed forever.

    • This happens because your lymphatic system saturates macrophages with the ink & are unable to remove it through your immune system. As your body tries to break down the tattoo, it causes the ink to fuzz and blur over long periods of time.

  • Any time you get exposure to the sun or UV rays, make sure you wear appropriate sun protection and use sunscreen on your tattoo. 

    • The number one cause of skin aging is from the sun, so act accordingly if you want your tattoo to look it's best for as long as possible!​

  • If you require a touch up, we provide free touchups (assuming the touch ups required that are of no fault of your own) for tattoos we have done for up to 1 year after the tattoo. 

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