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TATTOO AFTERCARE

WASHING A FRESH TATTOO:

  • Carefully remove wrap from tattoo.

  • Make a lather in your hand with antibacterial soap and warm water.

  • Gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed.

  • Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, gently, until the skin is clean.

  • Use a clean paper towel to dab the tattoo dry. Don't use a used towel!

3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on a fresh tattoo.

4. Once the tattoo is dry apply AQUAPHOR healing ointment, made by Eucerin. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand.

5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being sloughed from the surface or the skin.

6. Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo. Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten days of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dries out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne- like break outs. This can be taken care of by reducing the number of lotion applications per day.

7. Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo.  A bra strap, tight waistband, sweaty gym shoe or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems. Consult with me for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid. If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing be sure that only sterile bandages are used.

8. After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will slough eventually. Once again, they will be the color of the tattoo. It normally takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact me. 

9. FINALLY, do not go to the beach and get into the ocean while your tattoo is healing.  Your tattoo should be considered an open wound while in the healing process, because it is.  Going into the ocean will most likely cause an infection, the same goes for sand, which will affect the healing.

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After Care Instructions: About

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