If you suspect you have an infection

Contact your doctor if you have access to one and then notify me. Some signs of infection are: abnormal soreness, redness lasting 72+ hours, fever, swelling and/or a yellow/green leakage. If they are caught and treated with antibiotics early, infections can pass with little to no effect on the look of the tattoo. If left unchecked, it could cause serious health complications, let alone issues with your tattoo.

Infections, while rare, typically begin in the first 3 days after removing your bandage. Here are are a few of the main culprits:

• Touching your new tattoo with unwashed hands

• Allowing pets to come in contact with your new tattoo

• Sleeping in unwashed sheets or pajamas with a fresh tattoo

• Soaking, bathing or swimming within the first 4 weeks of healing

• Picking at or scratching your tattoo

• Using a harsh soap or unsanitary ointment (we love products with a pump)

Clear, adhesive bandages

While I may give you specific suggestions on how long to leave your bandage on, in general, your bandage can remain on for 2 sleeps. You can shower with this bandage on, but avoid putting any lotions or ointments on it as it will break down the adhesive.

To remove, gently lift up the lowest corner or edge of the bandage so that you are able to hold it between your fingers securely. then, pull down on the bandage away from the center of the tattoo, parallel with your skin (think of removing a 3M command strip from a wall rather than ripping off a bandaid). Many prefer removing the bandage in a warm shower to soothe the sensation and loosen the adhesive.

Once the bandage is removed (or to help remove it if stubborn), wash the tattoo. Using an unscented liquid soap and running warm (not hot) water, make a lather with your hand and gently remove any dried material from your tattoo. Do not scrub your tattoo with a cloth, sponge, etc. as that will cause irritation and can lead to a poor heal or infection.

Once out of the shower, let your tattoo air dry or pat with a fresh paper towel. Absolutely NO cloth towels as they harbor bacteria and the fibers can get stuck in your wound. Once dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion-- just enough that the skin has a little shine. Do your best to wear loose, breathable fabrics during the healing period.

My adhesive bandage is being weird??

It is normal to have some fluid buildup (plasma, blood and ink) underneath the bandage. However, if the bandage is coming off or leaking fluid, take it off and follow the instructions for “plastic wrap or soaker pad” below. Removing the bandage early will not jeopardize your healing!

Similarly, if your skin is irritated/red around the edges of the bandage or it’s uncomfortable for you, go ahead and take the bandage off. You may find that after the wrap is removed your skin is left with an imprint of the bandage or some thin peeling on your non-tattooed skin. This means you have a sensitivity to the bandage and it will heal with time-- you haven't just ruined your tattoo!

Saniderm and Derm Shield are hospital-grade, breathable bandages that can be left on your tattoo for several days. The material allows your tattoo to heal and retain moisture while protecting it from bacteria during its most vulnerable phase. Derm Shield is thin with a matte finish, and Saniderm is a little thicker with a shiny finish. While they are currently the most popular tattoo bandages, not everyone enjoys them or are able to tolerate them. In this case, I suggest the following options...

Plastic wrap or soaker pad

For the first day, you may keep your bandage on for up to 4 hours. Some amount of blood and ink may collect underneath the bandage during this time. this is normal.

Once home, remove the bandage and let warm (not hot) water run over the exposed tattoo-- do NOT soak your tattoo. Using an unscented soap, use your hand to gently lather and clean the tattoo. Do not scrub your tattoo with a cloth, sponge, etc. as that will cause irritation and can lead to a poor heal or infection.

Once out of the shower, let your tattoo air dry or pat with a fresh paper towel. Absolutely NO cloth towels as they harbor bacteria and the fibers can get stuck in your wound. Put on a fresh bandage before bed on the first day, and remove upon waking. wash your tattoo again, and do not replace bandages after this point.

For the first 3 days, wash the tattoo morning and night in the same manner. I suggest following up with a light lotion, though you may use an ointment like Aquaphor if desired. When using any thick ointment like Aquaphor, use the thinnest layer possible. applying ointments too thick can cause the tattoo to heal poorly (small red dots may start to appear-- that is a sure sign you've used too much and your skin needs to breathe).

By day 4, switch to a mild, unscented lotion. Once dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (just enough that the skin has a little shine) 2-3 times a day. You may discontinue washing your tattoo separately from your regular showers. Do your best to wear loose, breathable fabrics during the healing period.

Recommended moisturizers and soaps

The gold standard for tattoo soaps is the yellow, antibacterial Dial soap. Another solid option is the unscented, "baby" Doctor Bronners, and you can often find it in 2 oz bottles. For moisturizing, I'd recommend a thin, unscented lotion like Cetaphil, Lubriderm or Aveeno. All of these can be found at your local drug store. If given the choice, go for products that have a pump, as it's more sanitary.

Thick ointments like A&D, Vaseline and Aquaphor are good options only if your adhesive bandage is removed early or skipped entirely. These products are occlusive and will help your body protect your wound as it tries to create a scab, but they are heavy and can irritate the skin-- small red dots that appear on the skin are a sure sign you've used too much for too long.

 If you have sensitive skin, stick with a moisturizer your skin already likes to avoid any irritation from a new product. Avoid scented moisturizers, as they are alcohol-based and can be irritating to the skin.

Avoid sunscreens until your tattoo has fully healed. Instead, use physical barriers such as long sleeves or umbrellas. Once the tattoo has fully healed, go wild with the sunscreens and lotions as desired.

Touch-ups

As your tattoo heals, lines that were once solid could develop gaps or spaces, and shading that was once dark could lighten in a way that wasn't expected-- this is totally normal and can result from something on my end during that application or something on your end during the healing process. Either way, if this is the case, feel free to email me a clear photo of the tattoo and note what you need adjusted. touch-ups are free within 12 months!

If you realize that you want more detail or additional elements to your healed tattoo design: while this does not count as a touch-up, you are still welcome to email me a photo of your healed tattoo and a description of what you're looking for. If i'm able to take on your idea, I'll give you a quote, ask for a new deposit and we'll schedule a date!

Overall..

Just because your new tattoo was handpoked doesn't mean your skin needs less care than if you were to receive a machine tattoo-- you have an open wound that is just as susceptible to infection.

Wash and moisturize your tattoo for at least the first 3 days with unscented products. Dry with a fresh paper towel or airdry.

Wash your hands before touching your tattoo, and don’t let others (animals included) touch it! I am a cat person – I know how difficult it can be to keep them away. If your furry (or feathery, scaly or whatever) friends touch your fresh tattoo, don’t hesitate to wash it. Similarly, if your furry friends sleep in bed with you, wash your sheets before getting in bed with a new tattoo.

Flaking and itching is very normal. Do not pick, scratch or scrub your healing work. Extra care must be taken to not disturb any scabs as the skin underneath is very fragile. If you're overwhelmed with how itchy your tattoo is, try patting it through a clean piece of clothing to help soothe it.

Four weeks is the minimum healing time. Some tattoos can take up to 90 days – tattoo placement, application, and aftercare can affect overall healing time. Your body is doing most of the work behind the scenes. Take care of your overall health and stay hydrated. 

Do not soak or submerge your tattoo during the healing process. pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water put you at high risk for infection.

Do not expose your healing tattoo to direct sunlight. Sunscreen may be applied after 4 weeks. get in the habit – it’s the single most effective way to keep your tattoos looking fresh over your lifetime.

Lastly,

The tattoo you received today is of my work, sure. But ultimately, it is now a part of you and your body! If you decide to cover it up, blast it over, laser it off-- I support you. I will not be offended in any way. It is an honor to be a part of your collection for however long you consider me a part of it.