TATTOO CARE

Pre Care

Taking care of your body in the days and even weeks leading up to your tattoo can have a big impact- leading to faster and more comfortable healing, and often a better looking tattoo.

During this time, I recommend that you:

•  Get good sleep and stay well rested

•  Stay very well hydrated

•  Eat a healthy diet

•  Keep the area that will be tattooed well moisturized

•  Avoid drugs and alcohol (1-2 days before)

•  Please do not schedule any other obligations around the appointment that may create urgency or a time crunch. 

•  Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the area to be tattooed, and be aware that clothing may be stained with ink.

•  Bring snacks and drinks, or a meal for longer sessions. Depending on the studio, we may have access to a refrigerator.

•  Avoid alcohol and blood thinning medications (talk with your doctor before making changes to your prescribed regimen).

•  I will shave the area to be tattooed for you, but feel free to do it yourself if it is an area you shave regularly. If you have thick hair, please trim it down to stubble. Take extra care not to cut your skin.

Each tattoo and each person will naturally undergo a unique healing process. These are general guidelines that can be applied to your situation, and hopefully answer most questions. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. There is conflicting information everywhere, and I’m happy to help.

If we applied Saniderm/second skin:

•  Leave the bandage on for 4-5 days

•  It is important not to remove the bandage within 24 hours of the appointment, as this can lead to poor healing. 

•  It is normal for some dark fluid to accumulate under the bandage. This is a mixture of blood, plasma, and ink and is helping heal your skin. Leave it on.

•  The bandage is reasonably water proof, so you can shower, but do not wash directly over the bandage and limit the time to what is necessary. Do not submerge the tattoo in water.

•  If the bandage leaks fluid, or if you develop a rash with redness and intense itching, the barrier is no longer effective and the bandage should be removed. You can start the non-second skin healing method

•  After 4-5 days, remove the bandage while in the shower. With lukewarm water running over it but not hitting it directly, peel up one of the lower edges of the bandage and pull away from yourself slowly. This will stretch the bandage to remove it, rather than peeling it like a band aid, and is typically more effective.

•  After removing the bandage, clean the tattoo gently with water or neutral unscented soap. Let the tattoo air dry or gently pat it dry (do not rub) with a clean paper towel. Do not use your bathroom towel, which may contain bacteria.

•  It is important to let the tattoo dry before applying lotion. Once dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. I recommend Lubriderm, Aveeno, or Cetaphil, but there are plenty of options and you know your body best. Continue applying a thin layer of your moisturizer of choice 2-3 times per day for 2 weeks, and as needed for dryness after that. 

Healing without Saniderm/second skin:

•  If you are sensitive or allergic, your tattoo covers a large area, is on a part of the body not well suited for it, or if you simply prefer this method, we may not use second skin

•  I will bandage you before leaving the studio. You can leave this on overnight.

•  The following morning, remove the bandage and wash the tattoo gently and with clean hands and unscented soap ( I recommend dial gold)until the layer of plasma is removed from your skin.

•  Let the tattoo air dry or gently pat it dry (do not rub) with a clean paper towel. Do not use your bathroom towel, which may contain bacteria.

•  For the first 3-4 days (you got the tattoo on day 1), repeat this washing procedure. In humid climates, it may not be necessary to moisturize the tattoo during this time. In dryer climates, you may apply an extremely thin layer of Aquaphor 2-3 times per day. 

•  Once you notice the top layer of skin, start to harden and dry (but ideally not scab), stop washing it and instead apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 2-3 times per day. This typically happens around day 4. 

•  I recommend Lubriderm, Aveeno, or Cetaphil, but there are plenty of options and you know your body best. Continue applying a thin layer of your moisturizer of choice 2-3 times per day for 2 weeks, and as needed for dryness after that. 

•  Your tattoo may peel for a few days after this. This is a normal part of healing with this method. Please do not pick or scratch the tattoo and let the pieces fall off naturally.

•  Keep your tattoo moisturized, but don’t overdo it. Over moisturizing can lead to prolonged healing times and poor results. A thin layer of lotion 2-3 times a day will suffice in most cases. If you notice white bumps or acne in the area, you have over moisturized.

•  Avoid sweating and exercising for at least 7 days 

•  Avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo

•  Avoid submerging the tattoo in water for at least 10 days

•  Avoid prolonged sun exposure for the first month

•  Wait 3-4 weeks before shaving the area, or applying sunscreen

•  Continue eating a healthy diet and staying well hydrated

•  Stay attentive, but try not to overthink the healing process. The vast majority of tattoos that I give heal well and without complications. If there is ever an issue, it can always be touched up