Aftercare
Aftercare instructions
The first steps in healthy tattoo care is caring for yourself; please come to your tattoo appointment clean, well rested, hydrated, & having eaten something previous to your appointment. We encourage trust in your artist; please follow the specific instructions your artist has given you.
Instructions may vary based on your specific healing needs. Please let us know ahead of your scheduled appointment if you have any special health concerns - like autoimmune needs, allergies, or anxieties.
First, clean your hands well before unwrapping or touching your new tattoo. Leaving your tattoo wrapped for a short period allows the wound to seep blood & plasma with out over-drying or creating a thick, hard scab. Your artist will indicate the correct amount of time for your in individual needs - please do not neglect the time frame recommended to you, as leaving tattoos wrapped & unable to “breathe” for longer than indicated can result in loss of color saturation, break outs or make the body vulnerable to infections.
Unwrap and wash your tattoo. Next, you should wash your tattoo 2 times a day, for 14 days.
Allow for a few minutes of warm water to wash over your tattoo, as the warm water will soften any dried blood, plasma or excess ink stuck to the surface of your new tattoo. Then, use your hands to foam up a few drops of a liquid soap free of dyes or chemical fragrance. Using warm water & that soapy foam, wash gently for just a few minutes, being sure the surface of your tattoo feels clean and not slimy. Rinse with cool water.
Avoid scrubbing, wash cloths or loofahs. It’s also best to avoid linens or towels kept in the bathroom or hanging around.
Gently pat the area dry with a paper towel, then allow the tattoo to air out a few minutes until the surface feels completely dry. You’re now ready to go to the next step - applying a recommend moisturizing product.
Use natural butters and lotions - you can apply a barely-there layer of cocoa butter or shea butter 3 - 4 times a day for about 4 - 5 days.
Natural & organic products such as cocoa butter or shea butter are recommend because both have naturally occurring antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while being light enough for your tattoo to “breathe”. Remember - less is more. Do not over-moisturize your tattoo or clog the newly forming skin by over-applying too often or for a longer duration than instructed. Too much product on the surface of your healing tattoo can result in loss of color saturation, break outs, or make the body vulnerable to infection.
Natural lotions low in alcohol can be used after the 5 days to help the new layer of healing skin regain its normal surface and texture. This can vary person to person, and even take a few months until the shine and feel of your skin returns to normal. This is a normal part of the healing process.
MINDFUL CARE: While your tattoo is healing please avoid bacteria hot spots for at least the first week or two after getting tattooed, or until the skin appears sealed or scab free. These include gyms, yoga studios, dojo mats, baths, hot tubs, saunas, pools, lakes, oceans, & rivers. Avoid direct sun bathing, chemical products, & perfumes, & try to be mindful of scratching, picking, or excessive touching.
Please be mindful of the environment you bring your fresh or healing tattoo into - tattoo care is wound care. While true infection is rare, probably not best to go dancing or engaging in vigorous physical activities, as coming into contact with other sweat or body fluids immediately after getting tattooed should be avoided.
If you have any break outs, heat rashes, open sores, or painful healing after the first few days, wash your tattoo with soap and warm water, air dry and discontinue any products. Please contact your artist or the shop immediately so we can help you with alternative healing steps.
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