HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEW TATTOO

#1 LEAVE YOUR SECOND SKIN BANDAGE ON FOR 24-48 HOURS:

If you are using Saniderm, or another second skin product, leave bandage on for 24-48 hours. To remove the bandage, find an edge and pull the bandage back over itself in the direction of hair growth with the aid of warm water.

#1A ALTERNATIVELY, LEAVE YOUR NON-STICK BANDAGE ON FOR 1-5 HOURS:

If you have opted for a non-stick bandage, leave your bandage on for 1-5 hours.   

#2 AFTER REMOVAL OF BANDAGE WASH WITH SOAP AND HOT WATER:

Always wash your hands before caring for your new tattoo. After removal of bandage wash thoroughly, using your fingers with hot water and a mild, liquid, UNSCENTED, soap. (Dr. Bronners castile etc.)

#3 PAT DRY WITH A CLEAN PAPER TOWEL:

Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let air dry for 30-60 minutes before applying product.

#4 APPLY A THIN LAYER OF PRODUCT:

Apply a THIN layer of product (herbal salve or Aquaphor) and massage it into the skin until skin appears shiny, not smothered. Your tattoo/healing skin needs to be able to breathe to heal. Do not use salves which contain drawing herbs i.e. plantain etc. Discontinue use of any product if irritation occurs or if there is any prolonged excessive redness, swelling or fever, as these are signs of infection, call or email us and we will advise you, within our means. Infection is rare, if you suspect your tattoo is infected we recommend using a small amount of bacitracin. If symptoms do not lessen in a normal amount of time, you may need to contact your health-care provider.

#5 KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN WITH SOAP AND WATER:

An important part of healing your new tattoo is KEEPING IT CLEAN WITH SOAP AND WATER! Gently wash your tattoo throughout the healing process, no hard scrubbing, pat dry. 

#6 NO SUN, NO SOAKING IN WATER OF ANY KIND:

During the healing process: avoid direct sunlight on your new tattoo and do not soak in water of any kind. 

#7 REPEAT THIS PROCESS FOR A WEEK OR TWO:

In the coming days your tattoo may itch and peel like a sunburn. If it does scab in a few areas just let the scabs fall off on their own. DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK your new tattoo. Scabs that come off prematurely could leave blank spots that will need touching up.

#8 AFTER YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED:

After your tattoo is healed use sunblock, this will protect your tattoo and keep it looking new longer.

#10 AFTER YOU ARE ALL HEALED:

After you are all healed (usually about 2 weeks) stop in and say hello so the artist can give it a good looking over to make sure it does not need to be touched up and to get a nice healed portfolio picture. All touch up work is free within 6 months (tips welcome!).