Aftercare

Artists generally have different aftercare instructions, but these are the ones I have found work best for me and my clients. Most of my clients prefer I cover their tattoo with second skin, but for clients who don’t like it or have adhesive allergy or sensitivity, I can offer a covering that does not have adhesive.

  • I recommend leaving second skin on between 24 hours and 3 days, it’s up to you within that span of time how long you’d like to keep it on for.

  • Take the second skin off in the shower, slowly, let water run in between your skin and the second skin as you’re taking it off. This will help it come off easier.

  • Wash your tattoo with unscented soap and water once or twice a day for the next two and a half weeks. Use an unscented liquid soap. 

  • Moisturize your tattoo once or twice a day for the next two and a half weeks. I recommend water based unscented lotions like Cetaphil or Lubriderm. Something you’d put on your face is good for a tattoo. I do not recommend petroleum based moisturizers like Aquaphor or Vaseline or oils.

  • No fully submerging your tattoo in water for the next two and a half weeks, so no swimming or baths. You can have water run on your tattoo, just no fully soaking it in water.

  • If you’re going to be in a lot of direct sunlight while your tattoo is healing, try to keep it covered, you don’t want a sunburn on a healing tattoo! Once your tattoo is healed after those two and a half weeks, you can put sunscreen on your tattoo, it will keep it looking good.

  • Your tattoo may get itchy and flakey, that is normal, don’t pick or scratch at the scabs.

  • Occasionally, people have adhesive sensitivities. If you notice redness, itchiness, or bumps underneath the second skin- if there’s anything happening to your skin that doesn’t look like your tattoo is getting better and healing, take the second skin off. You will be fine if it has to come off early.

  • Aftercare instructions for a non- adhesive bandages are the same, minus- I recommend keeping the covering on until the morning after your tattoo appointment. You will continue with the regular washing and moisturizing instructions that I have listed above.

  • I do offer touch- ups, I can touch up parts of the tattoo that heal light, or gaps that need to be filled. I offer touch ups 3 months or after the initial appointment. Touch ups are free for the first year, but I will always offer them for quite cheap, forever.