Tattoo Aftercare

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From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it.
It is very important that you follow these guidelines. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.

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• Wash your new tattoo with hot water While this may be a bit uncomfortable, it will not harm your new tattoo. Gently remove all blood to help prevent scabbing. Do not scrub your new tattoo - gentle pressure will be sufficient.

• Dry your tattoo Using a slightly moist and clean paper towel, gently dab your new tattoo dry and gently remove any solid pieces of blood, etc

• Wash tattoo with a mild anti-bacterial soap and water Again, do not scrub your new tattoo. Gently clean the area and rinse well

• Dry the area around your new tattoo Allow the area of your new tattoo to air-dry. This should take about 15 - 20 minutes

• Apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment Using very light pressure, gently apply a light coat of Aquaphor ointment. A small amount will do - too heavy of a coating of Aquaphor will only trap germs into your newly tattoed area.

• Massage Aquaphor into your new tattoo Gently massage Aquaphor onto your new tattoo for a minute or two. It's ok to use a firmer touch than the day before. Massaging the tissue of your new tattoo will help increase circulation and speed the recovery period. *Note* only massage your new tattoo during the cleaning process when your new tattoo - and your hands - are completely clean.

• Do not re-bandage your tattoo Wear loose fitting clothes if needed, but allow your newly tattooed area to have air to speed healing.

• Repeat cleaning process 3 times a day Clean your tattoo and gently massage in Aquaphor 3 times a day.

 

Heavy Scabbing

Individuals heal in so many different ways, it's hard to tell (especially for first-timers) exactly what will happen - whether the tattoo will scab or peel. A tattoo in one spot may heal completely different from a tattoo in another spot. The way an artist works the skin can also make a difference in the way a tattoo heals. There is no way to fortell exactly what every tattoo is going to do while healing or how to heal it.

Yes, it's probably better for a tattoo to peel, but sometimes people just don't heal this way. Sometimes a scab will form no matter what you do. For some, it's hard to tell whether or not a scab is forming. Sometimes a piece will look like it's scabbed over but will peel, other times it's obvious that a thick, hard scab has formed. If a scab does form you may have to do things a bit differently... You should always check with your artist before you change any of your aftercare procedure. Each artist has their own methods of aftercare.

In most shops, if you follow their directions and the tattoo heals badly, they are responsible for a touch up. If you deviate from their aftercare without seeking their advice and the tattoo heals badly, you forfeit that guarantee.

Almost all artists will advise you to keep the tattoo moist. This can keep it from forming a scab. But what happens when that doesn't work?

Maybe it's just me, but I notice a lot of people getting tattooed and then over-applying ointment and lotion - too frequently or just too much of it. Keeping it too moist, to the point that it's nearly turning any repairing tissue to mush. Then, while they sleep the mush hardens, turning to a scab. Morning comes and on goes more goo... that then absorbs into the scab turning it to mush again... and later, dries out to form a thicker scab.

Sometimes a tattoo just needs to scab. If it does form a scab discontinue the ointment or moisturizer. Let the tattoo 'dry heal'. You will have to keep an eye on it and keep any scabs from getting pulled off prematurely, but personally, I find it to be the best way. If anything, apply a sparing amount of moisturizer or ointment twice a day or less, if at all. No matter what, your body will heal. Touch ups are always available. This is why I guarantee my work.

If the work is done by me, I will touch up the tattoo within 3 months of the original date at no cost - unless, of course, you abused the tattoo.