You just finished your tattoo! Congratulations! I’m so excited for you. Now here’s what you do next!

Types of Healing Methods

There are many different ways of healing a tattoo; everyone’s skin is different so if it works for you it might not work for someone else. The two common methods that I use are: traditional healing and second skin healing.

Traditional Healing

1. If you were wrapped with plastic cling film please remove it once you get home, this film should only be left on a maximum of three hours on your skin. This is because this type of film does not allow your skin to breathe so it may cause excessive sweating and moisture.
2. After removing the film you should wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and soap. Cup the water with your hands, make foam with the soap and gently wash it. Keep in mind to not wet your tattoo excessively or put it completely under water. Too much moisture can lead to thicker scabs and prolonged healing.
3. Let your tattoo air dry, do not dry it with towels or napkins to avoid anything sticking to it.
4. Repeat steps 2&3 for the following week and a half or until all the scabs have fallen off.
5. Start lotioning on the third day with neutral lotion (Lubriderm, Cerave, Cetaphil, Jergens, etc) keeping the layers thin. Only lotion when you feel your skin starting to dry, everyone’s skin is different but every 4 hours is a good average. It’s important you don’t itch at your tattoo to avoid taking off any scabs and damaging your tattoo.
6. Keep lotioning until all the scabs fall off and use sunscreen once it heals to keep all the colors nice and vivid.

IMPORTANT: It’s important to try and keep the tattoo as dry as possible during your showers, if you have more cling wrap available please wrap it during your shower but if you don’t, try to stick your body part a bit out of the shower. If either of these two options are not possible then try to keep the washing of your tattoos to only your showers and avoid washing it any more during the day unless you have been in contact with a lot of dust, grime, etc.

Second Skin

Some people can be allergic to second skin, if you present any itchiness or redness around the edges of the patch please remove it and proceed with traditional healing.

1. Your second skin should last at least two days but if it didn’t don’t worry. You can follow the next steps.
2. Once you’re ready to take off the second skin do it after you take a shower so the glue softens. Hold the bottom corner and pull it down so it slowly starts peeling up like a 3M strip.
3. Once you’ve taken it off wash your tattoo by cupping water in your hands and making foam with the soap. Scrub gently to take off any dry blood or plasma and let it air dry.
4. You can start lotioning on the third day with any neutral lotion (Lubriderm, Cerave, Cetaphil, Jergens, etc.) every 3-4 hours or as needed, in thin layers.
5. You might have some minimal scabbing, make sure to not itch or pick at them to avoid any color fall out.
6. After 2 weeks, you can start using sunscreen to keep your tattoo nice and vivid.

Don’t

-Swim or submerge yourself in any bodies of water for the first 3 weeks.

-Exercise or sweat profusely for the first week and a half minimum.

-Drink alcohol the first 3-4 days

-Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight the first few months. Remember your skin is new so it needs extra protection (sunscreen, shade, etc.)

Do

-Keep your skin moisturized and protected

-Drink plenty of water and keep a good diet to help your immune system recover quickly.

-Ask any questions or send me pictures if you have any concerns.

I think I might need a touch up….

Tattooing isn’t a perfect art, a lot of factors go into a good or bad heal but fear not. Send me a message via email or IG with a picture of your tattoo so we can determine if and when I can give you a touch up!

First touch ups are free for any areas that are not hands, fingers, or if I commented during your booking process that this is a place that might need constant keep up.