Tattoo Aftercare (without Tatu-Derm)
Once you leave the tattoo studio the care of your tattooed skin becomes and is your responsibility. The quality of your finished tattoo will be affected by the aftercare you have used and your care of the skin during the healing process.
1. If your artist has bandaged your tattoo – leave the bandage on for at least 1 - 3 hours. If the bandage sticks to the skin, briefly soak the area in warm water until it loosens.
2. Next, wash your hands with an antibacterial soap. After your hands have been thoroughly washed, wet your tattoo with your fingertips only and wash gently with antibacterial soap to remove any surface blood. Do not use a washcloth – it is too rough and can harbor bacteria. Rinse with cold water, pat dry with a clean paper towel and let air dry for 15 minutes.
3. After the tattoo is dry, apply a THIN layer of Tattoo Goo (original formula). Always apply sparingly.
4. Repeat wash/Goo routine 3 or 4 times a day for 7-10 days.*
* During the first 24 - 48 hours, it may be necessary to rinse the tattoo more often. Every time it looks like the tattoo is “oozing” we recommend that you rinse with cold water – this could be once an hour for the first day or so.
- Keep your fresh tattoo clean and open to the air. Wear clean, soft, loose clothing over your new tattoo.
- Do not re-bandage your tattoo unless… a) you need to protect it from dust, dirt or smoke… b) to prevent excessive rubbing on your clothes or… c) to provide a physical barrier to sunlight. If you must bandage your tattoo, use clean, non-stick gauze pads. It is best to leave the tattoo open to the air because the constant friction of a bandage may cause healing problems. Only bandage if necessary!
- DO NOT use Vaseline, A+D ointment, Neosporin or petroleum jelly.
- DO NOT use alcohol or peroxide.
- DO NOT swim or soak in a sauna, steam bath or bathtub for at least two weeks. EXCESSIVE MOISTURE IS YOUR ENEMY. Try to keep showers to less than ten minutes if possible. ABSOLUTELY NO TANNING!
What to expect:
-Redness and swelling of the skin on and around your tattoo is normal for the first few days. Some areas may swell significantly!!
-As your tattoo heals, it will begin to peel and flake. Do not pick or peel the skin away, let it fall off naturally. Fresh skin will soon replace the dead skin. DO NOT PICK! DO NOT SCRATCH!
-You will most likely experience minor irritation, warmth, tightness and itching as your tattoo heals.
-The colors and or shading of your tattoo may appear dull or off until the tattoo is totally healed.
-Exposure to sunlight (this includes tanning beds) is a major cause of tattoo fading. THE SUN IS YOUR ENEMY.
-For the first few weeks try to keep exposure to a minimum. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. It will dry out your tattoo and possibly cause it to scab, fade or scar. Give your body a chance to heal and wait to go back into the sun or tanning bed!!! Do not apply sunscreen to a new tattoo until it is healed.
-After your tattoo is completely healed, always use a sun block that is at least SPF-30 that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
If you already know you are susceptible to allergic reactions, let your artist know and ask them what they would recommend as an alternative. Remember to always check the ingredients of any aftercare product for allergies.
If you have any questions or concerns please call or email us.