Tattoo Healing Instructions
Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and retains its vibrancy for years to come. Here's a comprehensive healing guide to help you through the process:
Most likely you will have a second skin applied at the end of your tattoo session. You can keep this bandage on for up to 7 days.
You may take it off anytime before then, but especially if:
You have an adverse reaction to the adhesive (burning, itching, swelling)
Your bandage begins to peel up enough to expose your tattoo
Any outside fluids enter the bandage or any of the blood, plasms, and or ink leaks out of the bandage
Excessive sweating my also jeopardize the integrity of the adhesive
Showering is okay with the bandage on. However, you shouldn’t soak or submerge your tattoo at any point during the healing process.
It’s totally normal for there to be a collection of blood, plasma, and/or ink inside the bandage. It’s also normal for your tattoo to feel dry and itchy while your bandage is still on. That however, is a good sign your second skin is ready to come off.
When you’re ready to remove your second skin, do so under warm running water or in the shower.
I like to grab a corner and pull up in the same direction of the corner. This usually tugs less on the tattoo and makes for a smoother experience.
Once the bandage is removed, wash with antibacterial, unscented liquid soap. Dr. Bronner’s or Dial Gold is good.
Pat dry with a clean paper town or let air dry completely.
From the time you take your second skin off, until it’s fully healed, wash twice a day.
Your tattoo will begin to flake and peel. When this happens it’s time to moisturize. Apply a thin layer of sensitive skin unscented lotion (like Lubriderm or Aveeno) or coconut oil.
Do this as needed until your tattoo is fully healed. The key is to apply thin layers throughout the day. Just enough to moisturize but not enough to suffocate your tattoo.
Things like A&D or Aquaphor can work but are not optimal. Any petroleum-based product will not allow your tattoo to breathe fully.
Usually tattoos will heal in 2-6 weeks. During the entire healing process, please do not:
Pick at or scratch your tattoo. Gentle slaps can sometimes help with the itching if needed.
Soak or submerge your tattoo in water. No baths, no saunas, no hot tubs or swimming that will require your tattoo to be under water.
Over expose your tattoo to U.V. light. Keep your new tattoo out of the sun.
If you have questions please do not hesitate to email me at willtat4food@gmail.com