Precare + Aftercare Instructions
Precare + Aftercare Instructions
Scroll down for New Tattoo Rules and Bandage information
Precare Instructions
Aftercare Instructions
Every artist likes to work on a perfect canvas, so here are some ways to prep before your appointment!
Drink plenty of water, exfoliate and moisturize, sleep well and eat well. Please feel free to bring snacks or a water bottle with you!
Dress appropriately for the location of your tattoo - items that are loose and won’t rub on your new ink. We are using (and dealing with) liquids and inks, and at times it can get on your clothes - these stains cannot be washed off (so don’t wear your favorite all-white outfit!)
DO NOT take any supplements, ibuprofen or other blood thinning medications prior to your appointment.
Do not consume any alcohol or cannabis products before your appointment.
Following these guides provides a smooth and respectful experience for both the artist and the client.
After getting your new tattoo it is imperative that you take care of it properly. This will help ensure the best results and protect your new artwork.
Please contact me directly if you have any concerns while healing.
Leave your bandage on for a minimum of 24 hours, no longer than 5 days. Since the Saniderm bandage is clear, you may notice blood, lymph fluid or pigment - this is all completely normal.
Removing your bandage:
Make sure you have clean hands when you go to remove the bandage. Under warm, mildly soapy water, pull in a parallel direction of the bandage slowly. It should slowly release from the skin, the slower and more careful you are, the less chances of disturbing the fresh ink. The bandage is water resistant, and if you are having a particularly hard time removing it, coconut oil also helps to release it. After your bandage is removed, make sure to give it a good clean removing all plasma, pigment, etc that was under the bandage.
After your bandage is removed:
Only touch your tattoo with clean hands. Gently clean the area with a mild non-abrasive soap and pat dry with a paper towel. Try to avoid having the shower spray directly on the area of your new tattoo. Apply a thin layer of the aftercare - avoid using any Vaseline on a fresh tattoo.
First two weeks:
Wash your tattoo twice a day with clean hands and mild soap. Apply aftercare throughout the day as needed. It is normal to experience dryness, itching, or slight flaking during the healing process. Avoid clothing that will rub against the area. A tattoo is completely healed after 6 weeks and needs extra care during the first two weeks, and there are places to avoid for the first 4.
Bandage Information:
Second skin (Saniderm) is a clear bandage placed over your fresh tattoo. This is a hospital product that acts as a second skin, so your tattoo heals underneath without scabbing. It also protects the tattoo from scraping against clothes, and potential contaminants like dirt, dust, and infection. You can shower quickly with second skin on, and makes it much easier to sleep, dress, and work.
The bandages I use are latex-free. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the adhesive bandage, please remove and consult your doctor.
Things to Avoid while Healing - AKA New Tattoo Rules:
Touching your tattoo with your unclean hands (or anyone else’s). This is an easy bacteria transfer and the most common cause of infection and poor healing. Clean hands only!
Avoid contacting your tattoo with ledges, countertops, public washrooms, keyboards, etc - these are all gross places and again bacteria transfer locations.
Do not soak your tattoo until it is completely healed around the 4-6 week mark.
AVOID:
rivers, lakes, pools, oceans, hot tubs, saunas, spas, long baths, long showers - you name it.
direct sun - if your tattoo is healed, remember to put sunscreen on it! Sunlight will fade your ink, so it’s best to remember to sunscreen up!
More things to avoid: soaps or lotions with too many fancy ingredients
Avoid excessive sweating, sunscreen, scratching, picking, peeling, irritating or restrictive clothing on the tattoo area, animals, dusty or dirty environments, and chemicals.
Avoid scraping your tattoo through sleeves or having the waistline of your pants, undergarments, etc. as these can constrict the healing of your tattoo.
Did I mention, DO NOT PICK! Improper healing will result in potentially irreparable damage to your tattoo.
Some areas of the body do not keep color as well as others. Some skin types, colors, and textures do not like certain colors - this is all natural, be sure to reach out if your tattoo needs a touch-up!
If you are experiencing any prolonged symptoms or signs including fever, prolonged swelling and pain, redness at the site, and/or green or yellow discharge - please contact a physician.