Hey, congrats on your New Tattoo!
Here's the lowdown on keeping it looking great!
Listen to your tattoo artist—they’re the pros! They’ll give you the best advice for taking care of your new tattoo.
Now it’s all on you to pamper that tattoo during its healing time.
Before and after touching your tattoo (like taking off the bandage, washing, or moisturizing), always wash those hands.
Bandaging and Washing:
- Keep the bandage on for 3-5 hours, or as your artist advises. Then, give it a gentle wash with warm water and unscented soap to clear away any ointment, extra ink, or blood.
- After patting it dry with a clean paper towel, apply a thin layer of the ointment or lotion your artist recommended.
- Don’t cover it up again; your tattoo needs some air. Opt for comfy clothes that won’t rub against it
With Second Skin:
- Stick to your artist’s instructions about how long to keep SecondSkin/Saniderm on. And try to keep it dry in the shower for better results.
- If any blood or plasma leaks out or the tattoo gets exposed, take off the SecondSkin and move to the next steps.
- When it’s time to say goodbye to the SecondSkin, let the shower help loosen it, then peel it off gently. No yanking!
- After patting it dry with a clean paper towel, apply a thin layer of the ointment or lotion your artist recommended.
- Don’t cover it up again; your tattoo needs some air. Opt for comfy clothes that won’t rub against it.
Peeling, Scabbing, etc.:
- It’s normal for your tattoo to start peeling or forming light scabs 3-5 days after you get it. But whatever you do, resist the urge to pick at it!
Moisturizing:
- Use the lotion or ointment your artist suggested 2-5 times a day until your tattoo is all healed up (usually about 1-2 weeks). Just a dab will do!
Sunlight, Swimming, and Other Info:
DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning booths during the first two weeks. NO SWIMMING OR SOAKING your tattoo until the tattoo is completely healed, NO oceans, rivers, lakes, pools, Jacuzzis or bathtubs and NO gardening. Showers are fine though. PAY ATTENTION to any animals or PETS and do not let them come in contact with your fresh tattoo. Make sure they do not rub up against it or lick it.
When to Call Your Tattoo Artist or Doctor
It can take time for a tattoo to heal, and the skin may look irritated after you have received your tattoo, especially for those with sensitive skin or if you have a bigger tattoo. You may experience minor bumps or rashes, which can be dealt with at home with the help of proper cleaning and tattoo aftercare, some quality antibacterial tattoo ointment, hydration, healthy food, and rest to promote skin healing.
If you experience more severe signs of infection, please ensure you reach out to not only your tattoo shop but your doctor as well.
Signs of infection include:
- Swelling or hard, raised tissue of the area that’s been tattooed.
- Sores, especially if there is puss, or it is red, or hot, or there is a bad odor.
- If you see red streaking from the tattoo.
- Fevers of 102 degrees F (38.9 C) or higher.
- Feeling waves of hot and cold Abnormal shivering
- Extreme thirst.
- Or any other symptoms that seem like something is not right.
Fortunately, most tattoo infections are easy to treat.
you can prevent infections from occurring in the first place with proper tattoo aftercare!
Remember, taking good care of your tattoo means it'll stay looking awesome for years to come!
Hey, congrats on your New Tattoo!
Here's the lowdown on keeping it looking great!
Listen up to your tattoo artist—they’re the pros! They’ll give you the best advice for taking care of your new tattoo.
Now it’s all on you to pamper that tattoo during its healing time.
Before and after touching your tattoo (like taking off the bandage, washing, or moisturizing), always wash those hands.
Bandaging and Washing:
- Keep the bandage on for 3-5 hours, or as your artist advises. Then, give it a gentle wash with warm water and unscented soap to clear away any ointment, extra ink, or blood.
- After patting it dry with a clean paper towel, apply a thin layer of the ointment or lotion your artist recommended.
- Don’t cover it up again; your tattoo needs some air. Opt for comfy clothes that won’t rub against it
With Second Skin:
- Stick to your artist’s instructions about how long to keep SecondSkin/Saniderm on. And try to keep it dry in the shower for better results.
- If any blood or plasma leaks out or the tattoo gets exposed, take off the SecondSkin and move to the next steps.
- When it’s time to say goodbye to the SecondSkin, let the shower help loosen it, then peel it off gently. No yanking!
- After patting it dry with a clean paper towel, apply a thin layer of the ointment or lotion your artist recommended.
- Don’t cover it up again; your tattoo needs some air. Opt for comfy clothes that won’t rub against it.
Peeling, Scabbing, etc.:
- It’s normal for your tattoo to start peeling or forming light scabs 3-5 days after you get it. But whatever you do, resist the urge to pick at it!
Moisturizing:
- Use the lotion or ointment your artist suggested 2-5 times a day until your tattoo is all healed up (usually about 1-2 weeks). Just a dab will do!
Sunlight, Swimming, and Other Info:
DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning booths during the first two weeks. NO SWIMMING OR SOAKING your tattoo until the tattoo is completely healed, NO oceans, rivers, lakes, pools, Jacuzzis or bathtubs and NO gardening. Showers are fine though. PAY ATTENTION to any animals or PETS and do not let them come in contact with your fresh tattoo. Make sure they do not rub up against it or lick it.
When to Call Your Tattoo Artist or Doctor
It can take time for a tattoo to heal, and the skin may look irritated after you have received your tattoo, especially for those with sensitive skin or if you have a bigger tattoo. You may experience minor bumps or rashes, which can be dealt with at home with the help of proper cleaning and tattoo aftercare, some quality antibacterial tattoo ointment, hydration, healthy food, and rest to promote skin healing.
If you experience more severe signs of infection, please ensure you reach out to not only your tattoo shop but your doctor as well.
Signs of infection include:
- Swelling or hard, raised tissue of the area that’s been tattooed.
- Sores, especially if there is puss, or it is red, or hot, or there is a bad odor.
- If you see red streaking from the tattoo.
- Fevers of 102 degrees F (38.9 C) or higher.
- Feeling waves of hot and cold Abnormal shivering.
- Extreme thirst.
- Or any other symptoms that seem like something is not right.
Fortunately, most tattoo infections are easy to treat.
you can prevent infections from occurring in the first place with proper tattoo aftercare!