AFTERCARE

1.Remove your bandage the next day with second skin bandage. Your tattoo may accumulate fluid beneath the bandage that you will be able to see. This will be brown in color and there is nothing wrong with your tattoo so don't worry! Do not release the fluid or tamper with the bandage.

***With use of second skin bandage/derm, some clients with adhesive sensitives can have a reaction to the bandage. This will appear as redness around the bandage and can, in some cases, cause blistering if the sensitivity is more severe. If you skin feels irritated from the bandage please remove it immediately and notify me of the reaction so I can make sure to not use it on you in the future.

If using a black bandage, the dressing can be removed after 2-4 hours or the next morning following your tattoo.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly. ONLY ever touch your fresh tattoo with CLEAN hands. Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild unscented liquid soap and warm water (we like Dial original or Dr. Bronners -baby version in a blue bottle). To remove the second skin bandage, I recommend taking it off under running water —in a steamy shower is best—and stretch it like a 3m command strip to help release the seal (it will sting a little to remove but your tattoo is perfectly okay underneath). Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and allow to dry fully for the rest of the day. I prefer you let your tattoo dry for at least a day before applying any moisturizer.

3. Apply a small amount of plain fragrance free lotion or Hustle Butter. Hustle Butter is sold at our shop. Rub it in completely to your tattoo and do not leave any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. Do this 1-2 times a day (as needed only if your tattoo is dry) for 4 weeks after your tattoo. If you have any coconut or mango allergies, you can use any fragrance free lotion to care for your tattoo.

4. Continue using moisturizer for the course of a month after receiving your tattoo. You will likely need to moisturize your tattoo fewer times as it continues to heal. A dry flaky layer of skin will form on the tattoo. Let the skin slough off naturally. Small flecks of color will come off during this process : this is normal and is not the ink coming out of your tattoo. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Doing so could seriously affect the look of your tattoo when healed and could create scarring. Apply moisturizer only as needed when your tattoo feels itchy, dry or tight. 

5. Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo until it has healed completely. It hurts(!) and may damage your tattoo as it heals. Whenever in the sun your tattoo must be covered by your clothing. You CANNOT use sunscreen until your tattoo is mostly healed (generally 2-4 weeks) After your tattoo has fully healed, be aware of the sun’s effects on it. Excessive exposure to the sun will fade and damage a tattoos appearance. The American Association of Dermatology recommends that a broad spectrum waterproof sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 applied every 2 hours.

6. No hot tubs, saunas, pools, or lakes until the tattoo is completely healed. It is necessary to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, but it should NOT be soaked in water for long periods of time. Doing soon can prematurely remove a scab and negatively affect the look of your healed tattoo.

7. Failure to follow the care directions properly can extend the healing time, cause infection, or prevent your tattoo from looking its best. Infection is rare, but to reduce your risk: wear loose and clean clothing, change your sheets regularly(particularly if you have pets,) only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not allow others to touch your healing tattoo. Some warmth, redness, and irritation is normal. If you suspect infection be sure to consult a health professional at the first sign.

8. PLEASE call or email with any questions!

Shopping List:

Plain fragrance free lotion OR Hustle Butter

Mild unscented liquid soap (Dial, Dr. Bronners)