AFTERCARE
thank you so much for trusting me with your tattoo!
I generally offer two different types of aftercare depending on which healing process you’ve chosen - Traditional heal or Second Skin. Below are instructions/guides for each.
If you have any questions/concerns please send me an email!
Second Skin Heal
At the appointment I will place second skin over your tattoo, I recommend that you leave this on for 3 days. It will start to look a bit mushy and you may see a build up of blood/plasma/ink - that is totally normal! Don’t be worried!
You can shower, go to the gym, do most of your normal daily activities with the second skin. (See bottom for activities that should not be done during the healing process).
After the 3 days take it off in the shower under warm running water and peel from one corner, using the warm water to release the adhesive and peel off completely.
Once the second skin is off rinse and wash with an antibacterial unscented soap (anything you could use on a baby is a good bet!)
Once you are out of the shower, let the tattoo air dry completely before using an unscented moisturizer on the tattoo. You can do a light amount of moisturizer once or twice a day. It is important not to over moisturize because it can pull out the ink causing it to heal poorly.
*** If at any point there is leaking coming from the second skin, take it off and wash with antibacterial soap. Let it air dry and use A&D ointment for a day or two before switching to an unscented moisturizer.
*** If you experience any irritation/rash forming underneath the second skin, please take it off and wash with antibacterial soap. You can follow the same steps as above, but if there is any pain or swelling or blistering please go see a medical professional. Most likely it is a reaction to the adhesive.
***For a minimum of two weeks do not swim, sunbathe, submerge in water (baths), steam rooms, hot tubs or expose it to direct sunlight. Always use sunscreen after it is healed if you will be exposed to long amounts of sun.
Traditional Heal
At the appointment I will cover your new tattoo with a ‘meat pad’ and wrap it for your journey home. As soon as you can it’s best to take off the wrapping and pad and wash it with an antibacterial soap.
After it’s clean let it air dry completely and use a very small/light amount of A&D ointment once or twice a day, for 3 days. Do not over moisturize with A&D because the tattoo still needs to breathe and start the healing process.
After the 3 days switch to an unscented moisturizer for two weeks or until completely healed (moisturizer is always great for your skin and tattoos even after they are healed!). Again, it is important not to over moisturize or it could pull the ink out and heal poorly.
If you experience any reactions/rash please contact a medical professional.
***For a minimum of two weeks do not swim, sunbathe, submerge in water (baths), steam rooms, hot tubs or expose it to direct sunlight. Always use sunscreen after it is healed if you will be exposed to long amounts of sun.