First Day and Night
After you leave the studio, keep the bandage or wrapping that you left with for a minimum of 6 hours. If possible, try to leave the dressing on overnight as long as it feels comfortable for a maximum of 4 days for second skin bandages. If the bandage will not stay on over night to sleep, make sure you follow the cleaning instructions in the next section. It is normal for tattoos to bleed and there could be some dried blood that can stick to your clothing or sheets. If the fabric is stuck to your tattoo, gently take the fabric off slowly. Do not rip or force it off. If needed, wet the area with some warm water then slide the fabric off.
“Weeping” in fresh tattoos is totally normal for the first couple of days. This “weeping” is the excess ink and plasma that comes from the tattoo healing. This moisture can be dabbed with a clean paper towel to clean. Do not wipe or be rough with the tattoo. This excess ink is all normal and part of the process. Do not panic that all of the pain you went through is leaving your body! this is just the extra ink that is being secreted from your skin. To avoid the ink staining, use darker towels and bed sheets and wear dark clothing.
Taking off the Bandage and Cleaning
First off, wash your hands and get your unscented antibacterial soap! Avoid soaps with fragrance, moisture beads or exfoliating properties. I like Dial antibacterial soap in a liquid or bar. I find removing any second skin bandages is best in the shower! Carefully remove the bandage slowly. If you feel any tape or adhesive sticking to the tattoo, run some warm water over it and continue to gently slide it off. Only use your hands for this portion. Do not use any towels, sponges or washcloths on a fresh tattoo.
With your hands and antibacterial soap, gently wash the area and rinse with warm water. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
After your tattoo has completely dried, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor or Vitamin E oil. Gently spread it all over your tattoo and dab off any extra with a fresh paper towel. More ointment or lotion is NOT better. “Suffocating” your fresh tattoo is not good. Ensure that your tattoo can breathe. Continue cleaning your tattoo with this method in the shower for the first 2-3 days. There is no need to rebandage your tattoo but this is a wound that is fresh and unwrapped. Avoid direct contact with surfaces to avoid unnecessary dirt and bacteria to prevent infection.
The Daily Aftercare Routine
Apply Aquaphor or Vitamin E oil 2-3 times a day for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake like a sunburn. Once you start seeing this peeling, switch to an unscented lotion like Lubriderm for the next 2 weeks of the healing process. You should have a completely healed tattoo in 2-4 weeks. Occasionally, if you have sensitive skin, this much moisture can cause some breakouts. If this happens, reduce your daily ointment/lotion application. Some flaking, scabs and itching are normal. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo please! These scabs will fall off on their own. Picking can cause some of the ink in your tattoo to disappear and heal incorrectly. Keep the tattoo moisturized and the scabs will go away on their own.
Additional Care
While your tattoo is healing, clean towels, bedding and clothes are very important. Showering and washing your tattoo are wonderful, however, do not submerge your tattoo under water (bath, pool, river, ocean, ect.) for at least 2 weeks. Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first 2 weeks and after your tattoo is healed I recommend using s sunscreen of at least 50 SPF indefinitely. Wear clean and loose clothing while your tattoo is healing and avoid tight accessories such as bra/binder straps, waistbands and jewelry that rubs for the healing process. If you have signs of infection or an allergic reaction, call your physician with any concerns. Your tattoo should be fully healed in 2-4 weeks.
Touch ups are always free and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out!
