Tattoo Aftercare Directions
A tattoo is for life, not just for summer. Think of it as a lifetime investment and follow these instructions, not what your friend told you. Caring for your new tattoo starts pretty forward from the moment you’re home from the studio.
Day 1
After 2-3 hours remove the plastic wrap, gently peel the material away from your skin. Wash your hands thoroughly, you don’t want any bacteria getting into the raw tattooed area. With clean hands wash the tattoo with lukewarm (not hot!) water and a mild anti-bacterial soap. Make sure any excess ink, blood, plasma, lymph fluid and leftover soap has been washed away. Heavy layer of plasma will cause your skin to scab heavier than is required. After washing, pat dry the tattoo with a paper towel and let it air dry for about a half an hour. Rub in specialized ointment to moisturize the area. Apply only a very thin layer – your skin needs to breathe in order to heal effectively. Do not rebandage!
Day 2-3
Your tattoo will likely be sore, it may look red and swollen and the area will feel warm to the touch. It’s all completely normal, especially if your tattoo is a big piece. Also your first sleeps will probably be uncomfortable. For the next couple of days the tattoo will be oozing small amounts of plasma and ink. We recommend using old bed sheets, they may get all bloody and inky. If you accidentally wake up being stuck to the bed sheets, don’t just pull the sheets away. Soak the stuck area with warm water until the sheets peel away easily.
Day 4-6
The scabs will start to form over the ink. Carry on cleaning your tattoo, wash it once or twice a day and continue with specialized ointment to keep the area well hydrated and moisturized. It’s absolutely crucial that you don’t pick at the scabs, otherwise you risk pulling ink out along with the scab, what may result in a patchy looking area which will need touching up at the studio.
Day 7-14
The scabs become well-formed and harder and soon will begin to flake off. Although it’s very tempting to pick at peeling skin, do not pull any off and do not scratch your tattoo. This is the worst thing that you can do! Once your tattoo starts to itch, it’s time to apply a quality moisturizing lotion several times a day.
Day 15-30
The tattooed area may look a little bit dull and dry. You might still see some dead skin. Keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again.
During the healing process
- Don’t touch your tattoo with dirty hands.
- Don’t let anybody else touch it.
- Do not use Vaseline on tattoo
- Don’t submerge your tattoo in water. No bathing, no jacuzzis, no saunas, no swimming in any type of water. Shower is ok.
- Stay away from the sun and sunbeds.
- Keep the tattoo covered whenever you go outside in warm weather.
- Hold back from workout/exercise too soon.
- If you think your tattoo isn’t healing properly, contact us immediately +421905967745
Long-term Tattoo Aftercare Tips
Once your tattoo has healed, you don’t have to specifically care for it, but there are few things you can do to prevent the ink from degrading and fading:
- Remember – sun destroys tattoos
- When out in the sun, always use sunscreen (at least factor 30)
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid excess weight gain or loss