AFTERCARE
i am not a medical professional, these are just the methods that i’ve found most effective
ALL TATTOOS
Do not put any lotion underneath bandages or wrappings. Do not submerge your tattoo in any tubs or bodies of water for 10-14 days. Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo those first two weeks, and use sunscreen once it's healed to protect it. Flaking/peeling/itchiness on the tattoo is very normal and a good sign that it’s healing. If you experience any scabbing, don't pick at the area and everything should heal up great.
If anything does happen to your tattoo, all of my work is guaranteed so you're welcome to book a free touch up appointment within 6 months.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the healing process please feel free to reach out through email or on Instagram!
HEALING WITH ADHESIVE BANDAGES
The first bandage that you're wearing can be left on for up to 24 hours. When you take it off make sure that you're somewhere you can wash your tattoo (it's easiest to take it off in a warm shower with some soapy water. Pull slowly from the bottom like a command strip, do not rip it straight off). You'll then wash it with warm water and unscented anti-bacterial soap (Gold Dial, Clear Equate, Etc.) using your fingertips (nothing abrasive) until it doesn't feel slimy anymore. After washing, let it air dry fully (5-10 minutes). You'll then apply the second bandage (remove the white side first, place it on and then remove the plus side). You can leave the second bandage on for 3 days. After that, keep your tattoo clean and moisturize it regularly with a thin layer of unscented, water based lotion (Cetaphil, Lubriderm, etc.)
Your body will push out some plasma and ink so if it looks like a soy sauce packet underneath the bandage, that's totally normal! If your bandage begins to leak or the tattoo is exposed at all, take it off and put on the second bandage. These bandages are waterproof so you can shower with them on. I do not recommend doing activities that will result in a lot of sweat while you’re wearing these bandages.
If your skin becomes irritated around the edges of the bandage, take it off and follow the cleaning instructions below for wrapped tattoos.
HEALING WITH WRAPPED TATTOOS
You can leave the wrapping on for 2-5 hours after your appointment. Whenever you take it off, make sure that you're somewhere you can wash it. You'll use as warm water as is comfortable and unscented anti-bacterial soap (Gold Dial, Clear Equate, etc). Wash your tattoo with your fingertips (no abrasive materials) until it’s not slimy anymore. After washing pat it dry with a paper towel and rub in a thin layer of water based lotion (Cetaphil, Lubriderm, etc). Repeat that process 3-5 times a day for the first 3 days. once your tattoo reaches the flaky/dry stage, you can cut back to washing it twice a day. If your tattoo feels too tight/dry in-between washes apply a thin layer of lotion.
HEAVY BLACKWORK & LARGER PIECES
You can leave the first wrapping on for 2-5 hours after your appointment. When you take it off, make sure that you're somewhere you can wash it. You'll use as warm water as is comfortable and unscented anti-bacterial soap (Gold Dial, Clear Equate, etc.). Wash your tattoo with your fingertips (no abrasive materials) until it’s not slimy anymore. After washing let it air dry fully (5-10 minutes). You can then reapply a fresh wrap over your tattoo making sure its snug enough. DO NOT PUT LOTION UNDERNEATH THE WRAPPING. leave your tattoo wrapped up to 8 hours at a time, and at night while you’re sleeping. Repeat this wash/air dry/ wrap process for the first 2-3 days. once your tattoo reaches the flaky/dry stage, you no longer need to keep it wrapped. cut back to washing it twice a day and apply a thin layer of lotion afterwards (Cetaphil, Lubriderm, etc). If your tattoo feels too tight/dry in-between washes apply a thin layer of lotion.
NUMBING CREAMS
using numbing cream is entirely your choice, i’m never judging it! just providing important information <3
— PROS
helps with sitting still through your appointment, reduces cortisol levels, is best for small/medium tattoos or sessions that are two hours or less
— CONS
slows healing process because your body isn’t receiving pain signals
can increase swelling and fluid production, pushing ink out can change your skin texture making application more difficult
heightens your pain response once it wears off
— RISKS
DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE A HEART CONDITION, LIVER DISEASE, METHEMGLOBINEMIA, OR TAKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION
ANESTHETICS ENDING IN -CAINE (EX: LIDOCAIN) RAISE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE
ABSORBING TOO MUCH LIDOCAINE CAN RESULT IN SEIZURE, SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION OR CARDIAC ARREST
— PRECAUTIONS
do not use creams with more than 4% lidocaine
do not cover more than 18% of your body’s surface area (ex: entire back or limb)
search the company on fda.gov for any recalls (compound topical anesthetic creams are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or approval)
do a patch test prior to your appointment in case of an allergic reaction
— APPLICATION
you’re welcome to come in an hour and a half prior to your appointment and i’ll apply it for you
or
shave the area and sanitize it with 70% alcohol. let it dry. apply a very thick layer of the cream (2mm minimum). wrap the area with seran wrap. let it sit for 1 - 1 & 1/2 hours before your appointment.
it is most effective when applied while your pores are open; taking a hot shower or applying a heating pad prior to application will help
— BRAND RECOMMENDATION
tattoo numbing cream co. (lasts 2-3 hours max)
AUQUAPHOR
I DO NOT RECOMMEND USING AQUAPHOR FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS, BUT, USE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION <3
— it contains oxybenzone
when exposed to sunlight it can cause an allergic reaction and increases the risk of sunburn
— it traps in your body heat, dirt and other germs
— it contains lanolin
this can cause hyperpigmentation, increases the risk of a flare up for those with eczema, and can contain pesticide and detergent residue.
i generally recommend using an unscented water based lotion like Cetaphil or Lubriderm instead
PAINKILLERS & ALCOHOL
avoid using both 24 hours before your tattoo
alcohol and over the counter painkillers both thin your blood. higher blood flow during and after your tattoo can result in ink being pushed out. this causes more trauma to the skin, due to excess wiping and more passes, which can slow the healing process.
painkiller examples : Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Aspirin, Baproxen
tylenol is okay <3