I've been doing a lot of research about aftercare recently, since soon I'll be launching our very own aftercare line. We'll go into the how's and whys of each step in some future posts, as well as why you should avoid some products, and some alternatives. There are a few thousand tattoo artists out there and countless millions of tattoo enthusiasts...all with their own idea on what is the best way to heal a tattoo. This is what has worked for me over the years and I, too, am constantly revising when new information is available.
1. Leave the bandage
at least 2 hours(overnight if it’s an evening tattoo.) Do not remove the
bandage to show your friends, as this is an important step to start the healing
process and helps prevent infection when your skin is at its most vulnerable.
2. Wash your hands
thoroughly. ONLY ever touch your fresh tattoo with CLEAN hands. Remove the
bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild unscented liquid soap and warm water(we
like Dial original or Dr.Bronners.) Gently pat the tattoo dry with a paper
towel or let air dry.
3. Apply a small
amount of Aquaphor, A&D,or pure extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil. Rub it in briefly and
then pat off any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft,
not shiny. Do this 2-3 times a day for the first 2-3 days.
4. After 2-3 days
the Tattoo will start to itch. Once it starts to itch, it’s time to switch...to
a non-scented white lotion! (We like Eucerin or Aveeno.) A dry flaky layer of
skin will form on the tattoo. Let the skin slough off naturally. Small flecks
of color will come off during this process: this is normal, it’s not the ink
coming out of your tattoo. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Doing so could
seriously affect the look of your tattoo when healed and could create scarring.
Apply Lotion as needed(when your tattoo feels itchy, dry, or tight) for the
next 2-3 weeks.
5. Avoid
direct sunlight on the tattoo until it has healed completely. It hurts(!) and
may damage your tattoo as it heals. Whenever in the sun your tattoo must be
covered by your clothing. You CANNOT use sunscreen until your tattoo is healed.
After your tattoo has healed, be aware of the sun's effects on it. Excessive
exposure to the sun will fade and damage a tattoos appearance. The American Association of Dermatology recommends that a broad spectrum waterproof
sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 applied every 2 hours.
6. No hot tubs,
saunas, pools, or lakes until the tattoo is completely healed. It is necessary
to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, but it should NOT be soaked in water
for long periods of time. Doing soon can prematurely remove a scab and
negatively affect the look of your healed tattoo.
7. Failure to follow
the care directions properly can extend the healing time, cause infection, or
prevent your tattoo from looking its best. Infection is rare, but to reduce
your risk: wear loose and clean clothing, change your sheets regularly(particularly
if you have pets,) only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not allow others
to touch your healing tattoo. Some warmth, redness, and irritation is normal. If
you suspect infection be sure to consult a health professional at the first
sign.
8. PLEASE call with
any questions! DON’T ask your friend, sister, brother, mom, mom’s boyfriend,
cousin’s buddy’s brother-in-law who once worked in a shop for a summer, or the
INTERNET.(well, unless it's this page of the internet!) We’ve seen it all, and we’ll be happy walk you through ANY concerns
you might have! Really!
I hope if you're surfing the internet to find the solution to your aftercare problem that this is helpful. I'm
increasingly disenfranchised with available aftercare regimens,
particularly products which are full of strange chemicals, and not
produced by the tattooing industry: hence my new line of products. But sometimes we need to buy what's available, and the products above are the best things you can find at a Big Box store anywhere in the US.
