Aftercare
Instructions and recommended products below
I recommend to purchase products before the appointment so you do not need to stop after
I have small gift bags of the products for clients that need them in a pinch
Aftercare instructions
Keep Clean, Moisturize as Needed, Do Not Pick or Scratch
Approximately 2 weeks of washing and moisturizing roughly 2 times per day.
Wear loose fitting clothing, especially as the tattoo begins to flake and peel.
No sunlight or soaking.
Leave Bandage on for at Least 1 Hour
If you have a multi-day session, I recommend to leave the bandage on overnight in-between days. Remove the bandage in the morning and wash with soap and water (ideally in the shower). After cleaning, do not moisturize or rewrap and come in for the next appointment like that.
If you Do not have an appointment tomorrow, you can Remove bandages at home after at least one hour or leave it on overnight if you’d prefer.
Do not re-bandage.
Clean with Unscented Antibacterial Soap (dial gold, clear softsoap, etc.)
Clean for the first time directly after removing the bandage.
Repeat cleaning roughly 2-3 times per day for at least 2 weeks.
Use a good amount of pressure to massage the soap into the tattoo. Lighten pressure as the tattoo begins to scab or flake to reduce the chance of peeling flakes off prematurely.
Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel and let air dry.
After 24-48 hours, Moisturize for at least 2 weeks
Once the tattoo begins to feel tight and dry (24-48 hours), apply a thin layer of moisturizer directly after washing it.
I recommend “Tattoo Goo” brand tattoo balm (see example below). You can purchase a .3oz tin for smaller projects or .75oz for larger projects on Amazon or online.
Some other common alternatives are non-scented lotion and/or aquaphor.
Repeat approximately 2 times per day for 2-4 weeks.
It is very easy to over moisturize. Moisturize when it feels like it needs it and use a very small amount. it should not be thick and shiny on top of your tattoo
Moisturizing your tattoo regularly after it is healed will help promote the longevity over time
No Soaking, No Sun
No baths, pools, or bodies of water for 2 weeks.
Showers are okay, feel free to take soap into the shower to clean.
Keep out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks and use sunscreen to protect your tattoo after that.
Scabbing, Peeling, and Flaking is Normal
After about a week the tattoo will look very weird and begin to scab, flake, and peel. Allow flakes to fall off on their own.
You will likely find that the tattoo is itchy while healing. It is important to not pick or scratch.
You may also notice the tattoo has a raised and/or shimmery appearance to it. This is also normal and sometimes can take several months to return to a normal skin appearance. You need to take proper aftercare of your tattoo for at least 2 weeks but it may take several months to completely heal.
The Better That You Take Care of Your Tattoo, The Better It Will Look When It Is Healed.
Please Give it the Respect that it Deserves.
Recommended Products
An antibacterial Soap for cleaning
“TATTOO GOO” Tattoo Balm for Moisturizing
Tattoo Goo brand Balm
This is a simple non-Petroleum based moisturizer made from olive oil, beeswax, and Cocoa seed butter.
I have no connection to tattoo goo other than it being an easily accessible option that i like. any similar product would likely work just as well
If possible, i try to avoid petroleum based products like aquaphor but it is a great alternative in a pinch and i have recommended that successfully for years. Tattoo goo is just a more natural alternative
