AFTERCARE

CARING FOR YOUR TATTOO:

  • Leave the clear bandage on for 3-4 days. It will most likely fill up with blood and plasma and ink, this is normal, leave the bandage on. It is water resistant so you can shower with it on but do not soak in it.

  • After 3-4 days, remove the bandage in the shower with warm water and clean the tattoo with mild antibacterial liquid soap.

  • Always make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial liquid soap before cleaning or touching your tattoo.

  • Wash the tattoo 2 times a day with mild antibacterial liquid soap from a dispenser. Never use bar soap as it can hold bacteria.

  • After each washing, apply a thin layer of ointment (such as Aquaphor) for 3-5 days following removing the bandage.

  • 8-10 days after getting the tattoo, once it has started to flake and itch, you can switch from ointment to an unscented lotion (such as Lubriderm). Apply whenever the skin looks dry.

THINGS TO AVOID:

  • Make sure to wash your sheets before getting a tattoo to avoid transferring bacteria.

  • If you have pets, do not allow them in the bed for the first two weeks while your tattoo is healing. Clean your tattoo if it comes into contact with an animal or their bedding, furniture, etc.

  • Avoid wearing restrictive clothing. Do not let your tattoo stick to clothing or sheets. If this does happen, soak the cloth where it is stuck to the tattoo in warm water and then wash your hands and the tattoo.

  • Avoid heavy sweating in or around the area of your tattoo for at least two weeks.

  • Do not soak in any water or body of water (bathtub, pool, hot-tub, hot spring, river, lake, ocean) for at least a month.

  • Do not pick at or scratch the tattoo throughout the healing process. This can lead to infection, scarring, or ink fallout.

  • Avoid direct sunlight during the healing process. Do not use sunscreen on your tattoo during the first two weeks. Do not use a tanning bed for at least one month. After healing, use a high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo. It is a good rule to apply sunscreen to your tattoos during prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for the life of your tattoo.

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the healing process, please email me at shannonwolftattoo@gmail.com!