Traditional Tattoo Aftercare
Wash your hands! Always touch your fresh tattoo with clean hands.
2-4 hours after your appointment you can remove the plastic wrap.
Wash your tattoo with warm soapy water. Use a basic mild soap such as Cetaphil, Dr. Bronner, Ivory or Dove bar soap.
Clean the tattoo until all the clear liquid (blood plasma) is gone and your tattoo feels not ‘gooey’. Your first 2 cleanings may require a second wash but after that be gentle. Do this twice a day.
Use a fresh paper towel or clean soft cloth to pat dry your tattoo.
Allow the area to air dry for 20 mins
For the first 4-5 days. Apply a small layer of ointment such as Bacitracin (single antibiotic), Hustle Butter or your preferred salve. Only use a small amount, if it looks gooey you put too much. You will only want enough to protect and lightly moisturize your tattoo in the first healing stages.
After 4-5 days you should notice your tattoo will start peeling.
Once this happens after washing apply lotion. Scent free, gentle like, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Hustle Butter, Vitamin E oil, coconut oil or jojoba. Do this twice a day.
Tips for healing:
No hot tubes, baths, lakes and keep your showers under 10 mins for 2 weeks.
Don’t pick or scratch. For itch relief try a hot or warm compress wrapped in a towel for only a few minutes.
Don't use anti-itch cream or cortisone.
Generally be healthy, hydrate and keep a positive attitude.
If you use a public gym, make sure to wipe down machines before use.
If you have any questions on your healing please contact your artist.
If you notice any obvious signs of pain, swelling or infection please contact your physician.
Tattoo Aftercare with Second Skin™
Second Skin™ is a great tattoo product for healing, it works as a bandage that is breathable and waterproof.
Leave on for 1-3 days.
In the first 24 hours, there may be a build up of plasma under the SecondSkin™. This is completely normal.
If you notice that anywater has gotten under the bandage, remove it immediately and go into your after care.
When removing the Second Skin™
Peel up an edge or corner of SecondSkin™. If this proves difficult, you can attach medical tape to the corner of the film to help lift it.
Slowly pull the film off. Do not pull it straight up away from the skin. Instead, pull the film back and across the skin while holding your skin taut.
You may experience some redness around the tattoo where SecondSkin™ was applied to the un-tattooed skin. This is also completely normal and may occur with any type of medical adhesive. If you do develop an adverse reaction on the tattoo, discontinue use immediately. Let your artist know so they do not continue to use this product on you.
After Second Skin™ Removal
Wash your hands! Always touch your fresh tattoo with clean hands.
2-4 hours after your appointment you can remove the plastic wrap.
Wash your tattoo with warm soapy water. Use a basic mild soap such as Cetaphil, Dr. Bronner, Ivory or Dove bar soap.
Clean the tattoo until all the clear liquid (blood plasma) is gone and your tattoo feels not ‘gooey’. Your first 2 cleanings may require a second wash but after that be gentle. Do this twice a day.
Use a fresh paper towel or clean soft cloth to pat dry your tattoo.
Allow the area to air dry for 20 mins
For the first 4-5 days. Apply a small layer of ointment such as Bacitracin (single antibiotic), Hustle Butter or your preferred salve. Only use a small amount, if it looks gooey you put too much. You will only want enough to protect and lightly moisturize your tattoo in the first healing stages.
After 4-5 days you should notice your tattoo will start peeling.
Once this happens after washing apply lotion. Scent free, gentle like, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Hustle Butter, Vitamin E oil, coconut oil or jojoba. Do this twice a day.