YOU JUST GOT TATTOOED - CONGRATS <3

Now it’s your turn to keep the magic alive. The first few days are crucial, to avoid any chances of infection. Please remember your tattoo is an open wound and please follow directions properly for the best heal. Use the soap and lotion provided to you in the goodie bag you receive upon leaving your appointment.

Rule #1 - Clean Hands Only - Before touching your fresh ink, wash your hands properly and thoroughly. 

Second skin:

• Leave it on for 4 full days, if you can. You can and you should shower. Just avoid direct water and heat over the area as this can loosen the adhesive. When it comes to removal of the bandage, this is the first step.

• If you see fluid pooling up after 24 hours - don't panic. That’s just your body doing its thing. You can either switch to traditional healing (see below) or reach out if you need a replacement wrap.

• Avoid heavy workouts or sweating. If you notice any sweat buildup/irritation, please remove the bandage and wash off any buildup.

• After 4 days, hop in the shower and let the area of the tattoo get warm from the water/steam produced in the shower for at least 5 minutes. Gently peel the bandage off parallel to your body by stretching it off, causing less discomfort. Try not to rip it off like a bandaid. 

• You may apply a thin layer of the lotion provided, or any unscented, hypoallergenic lotion after it’s been dried with a clean towel or by air. Otherwise, only apply the lotion only as needed (when dry, itchy, flaky).

• If there is leftover residue on your skin from the adhesive, pour a gentle oil like coconut or jojoba onto a cotton pad, and rub the residue spots in a circular motion, avoiding the fresh tattoo.

Traditional Healing:

• Remove the temporary bandage after 3-4 hours

• Wash gently but thoroughly with the soap provided or any unscented, hypoallergenic soap. This removes all ink residue, plasma, and weird goo.

• Use a clean towel, or let it air dry.

• Clean at least twice a day for the first 3 days (or more if needed).

• Apply lotion after the first 4-6 days as needed (dry, itchy, flaky). Avoid vaseline, aquaphor or any other petroleum based product as it can trap moisture/bacteria. 
  
  

Other Pro Tips:

• Do not scratch! Scabbing, peeling and itching are all a normal part of the healing process, so don’t pick or scratch. Gently pat or slap it like a polite mosquito instead and let the rest fall off on its own.

• Also avoid exfoliation with a razor, washcloth, loofa or other items until completely healed.

• Avoid pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, saunas, and wild hot springs for 3-4 weeks.

• No tanning or sunbathing for 3-4 weeks and once healed, Use SPF like your tattoo depends on it - because it does.

• Skip anything that rubs, scratches, or irritates the area while it’s healing. Tight clothes, rough bags, overly enthusiastic dogs… you get the idea.

Tattoo flu is possible due to your immune system responding to inflammation and trauma. Larger pieces = more trauma = higher chance of tattoo flu. It is normal to experience any of the following symptoms: nausea, fatigue or exhaustion, body aches or chills, mild fever or headache, sore/stiff muscles. Stay rested, hydrated, fed, don’t over-exert yourself and take OTC pain killers if needed (preferably Tylenol).

Redness, swelling, and warmth in the area are normal within the first 48-72 hours following the procedure. If you have a high fever, spreading redness, swelling, pus, or heat around the tattoo site - this could be an infection and also when you should contact your doctor.

Questions? Concerns? Itchy panic?
Reach out! I’d rather you ask than guess. Your tattoo deserves the best care—and so do you. 🖤