Aftercare
Here in this section are detailed instructions on how to take care of your tattoo, and how it will heal over time. Tattoos take an average of 1-2 weeks to heal completely, so here's what you should do during that time...
The First Day
The first day of healing a tattoo is some of the most important. At this point, a tattoo is the most susceptible to infection. There's no true length of time to leave the bandage on, but you can take it off when you get home, it's wise to leave it on if you're out and about before getting home. After taking off the bandage, clean off the tattoo of all the blood and plasma with some non-scented anti-bacterial soap. Pat dry, and leave tattoo uncovered. I always recommend to my clients to not sleep with pets while healing a tattoo, and to change bedsheets to reduce risk of infection. Tattoo infections are rare, but better safe than sorry.
Healing Process
The healing process after the first day requires attention to ensure the tattoo heals properly. It's important to keep in mind that tattoos are open wounds, so keep them safe and away from any contamination, and prevent rubbing or scraping them. After a couple days from the first day getting the tattoo, the tattoo will start to feel dry, this is when you'll start applying an ointment or non-fragranced lotion in THIN layers, no more than twice a day if very dry. I would prefer if clients didn't use anything that's petroleum based, because it tends to suffocate the tattoo. My favorite ointments and lotions to use for tattoo aftercare are: Hustle Butter, Aveeno Original, and After Inked.
This will pretty much be the rest of the healing process.
Special Attention
Tattoos heal differently with everyone, but there are a few things that are pretty universal.
If they itch, you can slap them all day if you want to-- BUT, DO NOT SCRATCH.
If you have a scab, please do not pick them. We can tell if you have due to how the tattoo heals out. Allow them to heal and fall off.
Most importantly, even though I've stated that tattoo infections are rare, it's important to notice the signs of infection so that you can go to a doctor if need be: fever, pus, swelling, redness, red streaks from site, tenderness and pain. Seek medical attention if any of these are present.
THINGS NOT TO DO DURING HEALING:
- No Swimming Of Any Kind (Whether it be the pool, ocean, or lake)
- No Sun Exposure To Tattoo
- No Submerging In A Bath
- No Taking Of Anything Considered A Blood Thinner
- No Use Of Unapproved Products On Tattoo
Recovery Term/Second Skin Use
If you plan to use any type of second skin products, whether it be Recovery Derm, Tega-Derm, Sani-derm, or anything else, these are the steps to take:
After receiving it at the shop, leave it on for the first 24 hours. It'll fill with blood and plasma (this is completely normal), which means DO NOT POP IT.
After the first 24 hours, you'll want to hop into a warm shower and gently pull OUT, not UP (like a Common Strip). This helps release the adhesive, and is less painful.
After it's off, gently clean off the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap, and then pat dry with a paper towel until completely dry.
Apply the second sheet of derm to your skin, making sure there are no air bubbles.
Keep on for 5-7 days, and then repeat the same steps to remove it.
You then have a freshly healed tattoo!