After care

Hey you!! I love your new tattoo!!

Now let's take care of it to keep it looking as crisp and clean as the day you got it. Tattoos will fade over time (no, not completely) but below you can find the steps to take care of your tattoo to keep it looking the best over your lifetime.

TLDR: Keep it Clean, Keep it Moisturized.

What to Expect Day By Day

Day 1

Fresh Ink!!

Your skin may be red, a little swollen or hot, and oozing blood/plasma/ink.

Depending on the size of tattoo, we will wrap it with sterile bandages or second skin.

Second Skin can be left on until day 4-5 as long as it is not oozy underneath.

If taking off the bandage, with clean hands, use a scentless soap to gently clean your tattoo. Pat dry.

Day 2 - 3

Your tattoo may appear dull/cloudy as it starts to heal. It may still be oozing excess ink and plasma, or may begin the scabbing process.

If you have removed bandages, start the gentle washing and mostirizing process. Clean and moisturize 2-3 times a day.

Make sure you are always washing your tattoo with clean hands.

Day 4 - 6

The redness should be fading, and you should start feeling scabbing and the skin may feel tight.

It is going to start to get itchy - don't itch!! If your hands are clean you can lightly pat or press on your tattoo (but try your best not to)

Flakes of skin or ink may start flaking off.

Continue gentle washing and moisturizing

Day 7 - 14

Any scabs that formed over will be flaking off. They may be the color of the ink, or just skin.

You are going to still be itchy - don't itch!! Moisturize as your body tells you, 2-5 times a day.

Still keep it clean and moisturized.

Days 15 - 30

The next two weeks, your body is still healing. All of the remaining scabbing should be falling off, if it hasn't already. Keep moisturizing your tattoo, and avoid exfoliants for at least another week.

Side Effects

Mild swelling, bruising, redness, soreness, or rash like symptoms to the inks or adhesives in bandages is possible.

Abnormal side effects could include, but not limited to things like excessive swelling, allergic reactions, illness, fever, or infection. Should any of these happen, contact a medical professional immediately.

Other Important Notes

Cleanliness is next to godliness... Treat your tattoo like the open wound it is. Clean and care for it accordingly.

No submerging your tattoo - think pools, steam rooms, hot tubs, hot springs, baths for the first two weeks.

Avoid the wrong products -Products with colors/scents/alcohols in them can impact the healing of your tattoo. Don't use abrasive cleaners (like sugar/salt scrub).

Avoid direct contact with: sun, dirt, germs, animals jumping up on you. Again, keeping it clean is how it will heal the best.

Over/Under Moisturizing - your body is good at telling you what it needs. Add just enough lotion to let it sink in, not be caked on on top. It's better to use a little bit more, more times than too much all at once.

AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD - don't pick at or scratch your tattoo (yes I know it is so itchy, you can do it, I believe in you.)

Upbeat Indigo

Tattoo - Art - Design