TATTOO AFTERCARE
FIRST 3 DAYS AFTER GETTING YOUR TATTOO
Leave any wrap/bandaging on overnight (typically at least 12 hours) unless it becomes soiled or saturated, in which case start the following:
Remove the bandage, then gently and thoroughly cleanse the site with a mild soap (see recommendations below) and warm (not hot) water. This might be during your first post-tattoo shower (no baths or submerging please!). Avoid any vigorous scrubbing.
Pat dry with a clean towel or high-quality paper towel (that will not leave fibers behind).
Apply a thin layer of ointment or cream (see list below for recommended products). Do not over-lubricate; however, do not let it dry out either. Think slightly glossy vs. goopy/greasy.
Repeat this cleansing process about 2-3 times a day (and as needed if it gets dirty) for 3 days.
Avoid touching or contaminating the area between cleansing times. A fresh tattoo is an open wound and can easily become infected. Wear clean, soft clothing over your new tattoo and keep it from coming in direct contact with pets, hands, and other contaminants. Do not wear anything that will rub or put too much pressure on the area (like a belt, tight waistband, or abrasive fabrics).
It is not recommended to re-bandage your new tattoo UNLESS it is in an area of high friction, exposed to frequent touching/contaminants, or it still has drainage. Please discuss with staff at the studio if this applies to you so we can troubleshoot how to best keep the area clean and covered.
FROM THE 4th DAY UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED
Cleansing can be once a day (at your shower time is fine). Avoid baths, hot tubs or fully submerging in water for two weeks. This is the average time a tattoo takes to heal but can vary between people.
Continue applying a thin layer of cream or lotion 3 times a day. This can help prevent scab formation and reduce itchiness. If scabs start to form, move back to an ointment. No scratching the area!
It is normal for some flaking to occur, and occasionally, a small amount of scabbing. Allow any scabs to naturally fall off as any picking off early in the healing process may cause the ink to come off with the scab. Applying ointment to scabs can help to resolve them more quickly.
*** THINGS TO WATCH FOR AND REMEMBER ***
Monitor the site for signs of infection or pus/pustule formation. The surrounding skin may appear slightly red for a few days but should not appear overly inflamed (swollen, warm, increasingly painful or have any drainage or foul odor). This can be an early sign of infection, irritation, or possible allergy. Should this occur, discontinue all products being used and call the studio or see a medical provider ASAP.
Do not let anyone (or any animal) touch your fresh tattoo, as that can lead to infection. Contrary to previous beliefs, dog (and human) saliva has ZERO antibacterial/healing properties and mouths are full of bacteria.
Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight OR tanning beds. If you will be out in the sun, please limit your time and use a zinc-based sunscreen if you cannot keep your tattoo covered.
Do not soak or submerge your new tattoo in any bodies of water, i.e. bath/hot tubs, swimming pools, the ocean, or river/lakes. Keep showers relatively short at first and use tepid or warm water (not hot).
Do not listen to advice from your friends about the care of your tattoo.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Soaps
Shaun loves gold Dial soap but avoiding anything with colors or fragrances would be ideal. Some people prefer to use an antibacterial soap for cleansing the first few days. This can be helpful for anyone prone to skin infections, if your new tattoo is in a high contact or sweaty area, or if a large amount of shaving was required (as the hair follicles can develop pustules and lead to infection). This should not be used for more than 2-3 days for cleansing unless there are actual signs of infection present. Do not use any medical grade cleansers (like CHG/chlorhexidine/hibiclens) or products that will cause drying (hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, betadine) unless advised by a professional. These products are not designed for open wounds/broken skin and may impede healing or lead to other complications.
Ointments
The term “ointment” can be used for many types of products. Use caution with any antibiotic ointments you have not used in the past as some people have reactions or allergies to these medications. For most people, an antibiotic ointment is unnecessary. If you are concerned of developing an infection, you may apply a thin layer of an antibacterial ointment for the first day or two, but there is little evidence that shows these ointments have much benefit beyond that. Suspected infections should be assessed by a professional if worrisome symptoms persist for more than a day or two. There are other moisturizers that are classified as ointments. If you are prone to dry skin, these will lend the most moisture and require fewer re-applications throughout the day. This will reduce your need to constantly touch (and thereby contaminate) your fresh tattoo. Some common brands are
Sween 24 Once a Day Cream (appears like an ointment, less greasy and used in many medical settings) and
Creams and Lotions
are very nice hypoallergenic moisturizers. If you have more oily skin, an ointment may be too greasy for you. A cream would be your next step down. Lotions are the least moisture-lending. It’s best to start a bit more moist to promote healthy healing, then back off a little as the “wound” heals. Please also consider the location of your tattoo and the natural moisture to the area. Whenever trying a new skin care product, doing a spot check prior to using over your freshly tattooed skin is recommended. To do this, apply a thin layer to a patch of clean, intact skin and monitor for 24 hours for any signs of irritation.