LET'S TALK AFTERCARE

Your tattoo is an investment.  Take care of it like one!

Each artist has their own specific 'brand' of Aftercare, based on what has worked for them and what has worked for their clients.  With that in mind, here's what I recommend: 

• Immediately after your tattoo it will be bandaged - try to leave it on for a minimum of an hour.  Do not remove the bandage if you are not somewhere where you can appropriately clean the tattoo after!

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• Once the bandage has been removed, rinse the tattoo with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap (l definitely recommend Dial Gold).  Do not scrub your tattoo - gently rub the surface to wash away any "ooze" - like Plasma, or Blood. 

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• Allow your tattoo to air dry, and leave it uncovered for the remainder of the day. Do not apply additional ointment after washing (you will do that the following morning). If you have pets that sleep in bed with you, or are concerned about the tattoo sticking to your sheets, you can wrap the tattoo in one layer of saran wrap (but be sure to remove it immediately the following morning).  Saran Wrap should only be worn for the first two nights or so.

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• The next morning, remove the Saran Wrap and rinse the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap.  Allow to air dry, then you can apply a thin layer of ointment over top.  Generally I recommend:

  • Aquaphor

  • Coconut Oil

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• From here on out it is the 'Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner' Rule.  You should be washing your new tattoo 3 times a day - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.  After each wash allow the tattoo to dry fully (or pat dry with a clean towel), then apply a thin layer of your preferred ointment. 

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• Remember that water and sun will force out ink and prematurely fade your tattoo!  For the first 2 weeks please do not expose your tattoo to sunlight directly, or enter any hot tubs, pools, oceans or bath tubs (do not submerge your tattoo fully - especially in dirty fish/pool/bath water).  A shower is OK!  Any prolonged exposure to water will soften your scab, which could pull out ink.
  
  

• Once the two weeks is up, you can be a BIT more lenient (as it is no longer a fresh, open wound), but note that the longer you 'baby it' the fresher it will stay looking. If you are still experiencing heavy scabbing, consider extending the two weeks by a few more days (up to an additional week).

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The rest is up to you!  It is a wound, so be sure to care for it properly.  If you have questions regarding the healing process, please do not hesitate to reach out.
 
And note that fall-out is sometimes unavoidable. That's okay!  Don't stress - I offer a free touch up within the first year.

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