Tattoo Aftercare step by step
Here is my bullet proof, step by step, in depth guide to tattoo aftercare. If you follow these steps you’ll get a quick easy and clean healed tattoo.
Step 1: Wrapping the tattoo. When you finish your tattoo session I will wrap the tattoo with either a breathable adhesive bandage or with regular cling film and ointment for larger pieces. The adhesive bandage stays on for 3-5 days, but the regular cling film should not stay on your tattoo for more than 2 hours. In either case when it is time to remove the bandage do so in a hot shower.
Step 2: While you are in the shower gently wash your tattoo with milld soap under hot running water. For the best results the hotter the water the better! I like to turn the shower up as hot as I can comfortably handle for about 30 seconds and let that hot water rinse my tattoo off thoroughly.
Step 3: When you get out of the shower pat your tattoo dry gently with a clean paper towel (not your stinky towel that has been hanging on the rack for three weeks!). You can also let it air dry for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Apply a SMALL amount of unscented white lotion or coconut oil to the tattoo. The most common mistake people make is over doing the lotion.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2-3 times a day (in the shower or in the sink)
Things to avoid:
Soaking
scratching
direct sunling
if you are sweating a lot while the adhesive bandage is on you should remove the bandage early to avoid breaking out.
Common concerns:
If the adhesive bandage looks murky, bloody or gross do not be alarmed. That is just blood, plasma and excess ink. It’s not hurting you, just leave it.
If you are allergic to some adhesives you may react poorly to the bandage. Let your artist know and if your skin feels irritated after the tattoo is finished and covered remove the bandage as soon as possible and wash it thoroughly.
Everybody is different and sometimes in spite of your best efforts you may still need a touch up. If that is the case contact me and I will gladly touch up your tattoo at no extra cost.
