☆ Prep ☆
A car runs better when there is gas in the tank. That is true for our bodies as well!
My own personal tattoo prep includes getting a good night sleep, eating a protein and carb heavy meal before my appointment, and drink lots of water. I also like to limit my caffeine consumption beforehand, and if i’m getting tattooed somewhere especially spicy, i’ve been known to take a Tylenol or two! It’s amazing what a difference being hydrated, fed and rested can do for our pain tolerance.
Please note that I do not allow the use of numbing creams applied to the skin before your tattoo. I could talk about this in length but in short, it can greatly affect the ability to apply and heal the tattoo. Additionally, it can potentially cause adverse health effects such as seizures, irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulties. That’s doing way too much! But don’t worry, I always have Bactine :)
☆ Aftercare ☆
Remember to always wash your hands when handling your new tattoo!
Second Skin AKA Saniderm. Tegaderm, Dermshield, etc
Second skin is a light, breathable adhesive bandage that is meant to stay on your skin for multiple days. You can shower with it on!
It is what I bandage everyone with unless they prefer the classic Saran Wrap method.
You can keep this bandage on for anywhere from 24-72 hours. Some prefer to replace the bandage after 24 hours, but I usually only recommend this for certain projects or experienced second skin users
REMOVE THE BANDAGE EARLY IF: You notice fluid leaking out or shower water getting in- this means the clean barrier has been breached and bacteria could get inside. You can also remove it early if you develop a red border around the bandaged area, this is a simple reaction to the adhesive and won’t negatively effect your tattoo but can be annoying and itchy.
You may notice fluid buildup in your bandage. This is normal! This is blood, plasma, and lymphatic fluid. I usually tell my clients to expect to feel like a soy sauce packet :)
Keep the bandaged tattoo out of direct sunlight
When you’re ready, remove the bandage slowly in the shower. You can use the water pressure to help you. Don’t be worried if there is a slight imprint of the tattoo on the plastic.
Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented or antibacterial soap. I recommend unscented Dr. Brohner’s or orange liquid Dial soap.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel
Apply an unscented lotion like Cera-ve as needed for 1-3 weeks
You may notice itchiness, peeling, dry skin or scabs during the healing process. This is normal!
Avoid picking, scratching, or scrubbing the tattoo! Failure to do so will result in scars or the pigment falling out
No soaking in hot tubs, pools or bath tubs for 2-3 weeks
Please email with any hesitations or concerns :)
Saran Wrap/classic instructions:
Remove your bandage after 4 hours. If your appointment was later in the day, it is recommended to keep your new tattoo wrapped overnight to keep your tattoo and sheets clean :)
Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented soap. I recommend unscented Dr. Brohner’s or liquid orange Dial soap.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, continue 2x daily for the first 3 days
After 3 days you can skip to an unscented lotion like Cera-ve, use as needed for 2-3 weeks
You may notice itchiness, peeling, dry skin or scabs during the healing process. This is normal!
Avoid picking, scratching, or scrubbing the tattoo! Failure to do so will result in scars or the pigment falling out
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight
No soaking in hot tubs, pools or bath tubs for 2-3 weeks
Please email with any hesitations or concerns :)
Remember…
A tattoo is basically a surface wound; so be smart! Infections are no fun and healing a tattoo depends entirely on you. Everyone is different; the healing process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to over a month. What your friend experienced with their tattoo may not be your own. Overall I just want to make you a quality tattoo that will last, and I hope you’re willing to do your part to take care of your new tattoo!