Aftercare & FAQs

What to use? I recommend using any of these listed products for healing your new tattoo

SOAP:

LOTION / BALM:

Standard Method

Once you have removed the plastic wrap covering your tattoo wash well with one of the soaps mentioned int the list and air dry or use a paper towel to dab dry
Immediately after drying apply a thin layer of one of the lotions or balms listed on the left
Repeat this 3x a day for 2 weeks, it is especially important to clean and moisturize your tattoo when you wake up and before bed so it does not dry out
Avoid washing your new tattoo with very hot water, avoid soaking in a bath, hot tub, or sauna
DO NOT pick any scabs, touch your tattoo with dirty hands, re-wrap with plastic after the first day

Recovery Derm Method

If I have used a Recovery Derm bandage (adhesive bandage you keep on for several days) for your new tattoo please follow these healing instructions.

I recommend leaving the bandage on for 3-5 days is up to your discretion to remove it any time during that period.

You may shower with your recovery derm bandage on. The water should just roll off of the bandage. Avoid very hot water, soaking in a tub, hot tub, or sauna during this period because it can loosen the adhesive before it is ready to be removed
Avoid strenuous activity such as working out for at least 3 days during your healing with recovery derm. After removing the bandage you may return to your regular work out schedule.
To remove the bandage, slowly peel it off in the shower or immediately after your shower. Use warm water and soap to gently loosen the edges of the bandage. Once you find a corner you can lift, peel the bandage off very slowly. The adhesive is sticky so it needs to be removed slowly and gently! Peel in a slow downward motion until the bandage comes off.
DO NOT rip the bandage off quickly, it is not a bandaid and it can remove layers of skin if done inappropriately.
Once the Recovery Derm Bandage is removed, follow the Standard Method directions for another 10 days

FAQs

What to expect while healing?

During the healing process of your tattoo you can expect: Scabbing, peeling, irritation, soreness, itchiness, and even mild oozing during the first 3 days.
If redness, and oozing persists for more than 3 days and if the area feels hot to the touch and shows signs of puss, please contact me as this can indicate an infection

What to do if my tattoo becomes infected?

Infections can have many causes, tattoos are open wounds and any bacteria which touches it during the beginning of your healing process can cause an infection if not cared for properly
Please contact me if you believe your tattoo is infected and I can help advise you on what your next steps should be. If your tattoo is indeed infected you will need to visit a doctor to receive antibiotics to treat the infection

When can I workout / soak in a tub / pool / suntan / sauna / etc.?

I suggest waiting at least 5 days before working out, always wash your tattoo directly after a workout if you exercise before your tattoo is fully healed
2 weeks before soaking in a tub, pool, hot tub, or visiting a sauna. Doing these things before your tattoo is healed can cause damage to the tattoo or even cause infection
3 weeks before suntanning. Always use sunblock of at least SPF 50 when suntanning since excessive sun exposure can fade or dull the ink over time

Why do I need to use unscented soap/lotion?

The chemicals used in fragrances can affect the ink of your tattoo during the healing process. This can result in dull colors, or patchiness in the healed piece
Please use the soaps and lotions mentioned in the list of suggested products above