Step 1- Wrapping

Second Skin

If you are free of adhesive allergies or are getting tattooed in an area less prone to movement, congratulations-you may qualify for using second skin! If this is the case, I typically recommend leaving it on for three-five days total. Your bandage will accumulate fluid made up of plasma and excess ink, which is nothing to worry about. If this fluid leaks or if any shower water gets in, take the bandage off immediately, wash it with scent free soap and follow up with traditional aftercare. Do NOT reseal the bandage as bacteria can get in there and wreak havoc! When removing the bandage, do so under lukewarm running water and lather with soap while slowly pulling it off. It may feel like pulling off a bandaid, so take it slow and easy!

Traditional Wrapping

If you’re someone who second skin just might not be the best option for, I’ll most likely wrap you up with some Saran Wrap and gauze. Leave your tattoo wrapped for the rest of the day/overnight and give it a nice wash after removing your bandage.

Step 2-Washing

After removing your bandage, gently wash your tattoo with scent free, liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. I personally recommend Dial Gold brand or Soft Soap. Avoid tight fitting clothing for at least one week if you can, just be mindful of friction or irritation to that area. Once it’s clean, either air dry or GENTLY dab it with a paper towel or clean cloth towel. Clean your tattoo 2-3 times a day as needed-without using second skin your tattoo will “weep” for the first few days which is totally normal!

Step 3- Moisturizing

Gently apply a THIN layer of scent free lotion to your tattoo after washing 2-3 times a day. I personally recommend Cerave, Cetaphil, scent free Aveno, or RX-Tattoo Care. I generally avoid petroleum based moisturizers such as Aquaphor and ESPECIALLY Vaseline as it can clog pores and trap bacteria into your new ink. Tattoos like to breathe, so applying a conservative amount of moisturizer in general is my favorite approach. Flaking and minor scabbing is normal-if you’re experiencing excessive scabbing, I like to apply a little jojoba oil and to make sure to keep it clean at all times!

-NO SOAKING YOUR TATTOO IN WATER FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. Showering is no problem (in fact, I encourage you to shower regularly for everyone’s sake). This does mean no 45 minute depression showers for a while, though-sorry about that! Avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks; once your tattoo is healed, consider sunscreen to be your best friend. Your tattoo should take 2-4 weeks to heal completely.

-While your tattoo is healing, it is an open wound and should be treated as such. Clean clothes and bedding are CRUCIAL. Exposing your tattoo to unsanitary environments may risk infection which is no joke and not to be taken lightly. If you’re worried your tattoo is infected, PLEASE reach out to me with photos and we can go from there. If you’re experiencing yellow puss, excessive redness and pain, contact a medical professional immediately.

-If you experience pigment loss or fallout, please reach out to me as touch ups are free for the first three years of your tattoo. I am dedicated to providing a long lasting, vibrant result for my clients!