AFTERCARE
Some general instructions for maintaining your tattoo right after your appointment, as well as things to look out for. Please contact your artist at the first sign of infection or if you have any questions/concerns.
what to expect
Your tattoo will be red and swollen at first. It will also be very leaky, releasing ink, blood or plasma, especially if it's shaded or colored! After this it will become dry, scabby, and scaly. It will probably be very itchy as well. This is normal, and will go away once your tattoo has healed. You will want to look out for excessive redness, pus, and pain as these are signs on an infection. Tattoos will appeal healed after 3-6 weeks, but will take as long as 4 months to fully heal under the surface.
bandage
For old school wrap leave on for at least 3 hours, for Saniderm or Second-Skin leave on for at least 3 days. Remove when edges begin to peel, or an ink sack begins to develop. Be gentle with the area while the wrap is on and avoid tight clothing.
clean
Once the wrap has been removed immediately clean your tattoo with a fragrance free gentle cleanser, use a cotton round and paper towel to dab the tattoo clean using your soap and warm water, then rinse with clean water using the same process. Avoid soaking your tattoo.
moisturize
Apply a thin layer of fragrance free moisturizer, I recommend Aquaphor, Hustle-Butter, or A&D ointment. Avoid putting on too much as this can cause your scabs to lift. Repeat your cleaning and moisturizing routine 3 times a day until fully healed.
avoid
Immediately after your tattoo avoid excessive water (you can shower just do your best to keep your tattoo out of the water), avoid using products with healing agents or fragrances on the area. Avoid picking, itching, and scratching. Until your tattoo is fully healed avoid swimming (especially in open bodies of water) and excessive sunlight.