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Aftercare Instructions
Got a new tattoo? Awesome, go you!! Now let's take care of it properly
Using Second Skin
Second Skin is my preferred way for healing tattoos!
It's great to help keep the area protected from any outside bacteria.
So here's how to use it:
Step 1: Second skin is on, leaving the appointment.
If it's safe and secure, and doesn't leak, keep the bandage on for 24 hours.
Step 2: After 24 hours, take the bandage off
(make sure to do so in warm running water!) and wash the tattoo gently with unscented soap or tattoo wash.
Step 3: Air dry the tattoo.
You can use a fresh, clean towel or paper towel, but avoid anything that may have come into contact with any pet hair, dirt or other bateria.
Step 4: Apply a second bandage.
If you don't have any, you can usually find some at the chemist! Try to layer it over the same way as the original bandage, and make sure you have clean hands when you do it!
Step 5: Leave this bandage on up to 4 days.
After this, you can just take it off and go about your life as normal! Just keep the tattoo clean and dry, no further care required!
Without Second Skin
If you don't have second skin (for whatever reason),or you've taken it off and don't have any more, here are the instructions for caring for your tattoo:
Step 1: You've left the appointment, and your tattoo is wrapped in cling wrap.
AS SOON AS you get home, unwrap the cling wrap, and take a warm shower.
Wash the tattoo very gently with unscented soap or tattoo foam wash.
Step 2: Let the tattoo dry.
Don't use dirty towels or anything that has come into contact with pet hair, dirt, or other bacteria. Do NOT at this stage, use your aftercare. Just leave it for now.
Step 3: For ONLY the first night, re wrap the tattoo.
Just wrap it with cling wrap, right before you're about to go to bed. This will stop you from getting any bacteria in it, and protect it from sticking to your bed sheets!
Step 4: Wakey Wakey, it's day 2!
When you wake up, unwrap the tattoo and jump back in the shower. Give it another gentle wash (just like the first step) and let it dry again.
Step 5: Leave the tattoo to dry out for today.
No aftercare just yet!
Step 6: The end of day 2.
Give your tattoo another wash and let it dry for about 2 hours. Now's the time for your aftercare!
Step 7: You're applying your aftercare.
Remember, don't use a lot! Think of it as if you're applying sunscreen. If there's a thick layer on top, it's way too much! It should be only a little moist, and a little shiny when you've applied it. Remember: More moisture = More bacteria = more chance of infection!
Step 8: Repeat step 6 & 7 for the next 3-4 days. After that, you're in the clear!
Important things to remember:
When you're caring for a new tattoo some VERY important things to remember:
Don't over use your aftercare.
Dry healing is A-OK! But the more moisture you use, the more chance you have of getting your tattoo all infected, and losing the ink over time. It's also super painful to have an infected tattoo!
I only use a tiny bit of cream when my tattoos get itchy. It's the easiest way to do it, and the cream helps to soothe the itch. Remember, never use creams more than once a day!
Do NOT go swimming for the first 4-6 weeks.
If you go swimming in any body of water, or keep your tattoo submerged for long periods of time (like in a bath or sauna) you are risking infection.
Do NOT allow your tattoo to get sunburned.
In fact, its best to keep it out of the sun as much as possible even if you tan! Too much exposure to UV rays can harm the integrity of your skin and lead to conditions like hyperpigmentation. You don't want that!
When your tattoo is healed, use sunscreen! The more exposure to sun you have, the more your tattoo will age over time.
Do NOT wear tight clothing
that can get caught on any scabs or flaking skin. Make sure you are wearing fairly loose fitting clothing that won't rub or scrape on the tattoo.
Do NOT pick at the scabs or scratch your tattoo!
I know it's hard, they get super itchy! But you need to remember, if you're picking off any scabs or flaking skin, you're risking ink fallout! If you want your tattoo to stay pretty, make sure you just apply a little cream when you're itchy instead (my favourite is hustle butter or any unscented soothing moisturiser)
Do NOT let animals or children touch your tattoo!
Look, the kiddos are curious but who knows where their hands have been!? Tell them gently that they can't touch it yet, but when it's all healed they can poke it all they want! Any pets also carry their own bacteria, and letting them rubs against, touch or lick your tattoo risks infection!
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
If you have ANY questions at all about how your tattoo is healing, or you are worried about something, please send me a message! No question is a stupid question when it comes to caring for your new body art, and I am ALWAYS happy to help.
Make sure to check out the Numbing & Aftercare page for links to my favourite aftercare brands!
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