AFTERCARE
Tattoos are a 2 part process. Now that my parts done, here’s where you’re part begins!
You just sat through the pain of getting this thing, so don't waste it. I could do the best tattoo thats ever been done, but if you treat it like shit while it heals, it's going to show. Aftercare is a huge part of how your tattoo turns out: how crisp it looks, how bright it stays, and how well it holds up over the years.
Follow the steps below and don't pick at it. You didn't suffer through all that for nothing.
FOR STANDARD BANDAGING
First 3–4 hours
Leave the bandage on. I actually recommend leaving it on overnight. Your tattoo will weep and bleed for the first day or so. It'll stain your bed, and it can get stuck to your sheet and pick up bacteria that leads to an infection. Trust me, the bandage is there for a reason.
Next day
-Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and mild unscented soap (Dove, Zest, whatever). Use your fingertips to scrub. Do not use a cloth, it'll irritate the tattoo too much. Remove all dried blood, plasma, and ink that has weeped out.
-Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.
-Wash twice a day. Do not use any lotion until the tattoo starts to feel dry and tight, or scabs start to form.
Days 3–10
-Once the tattoo stiffens up and scabs start to form, you only need to wash it once a day.
-Start applying a small amount of unscented moisturizer 2–3 times a day. Coconut oil or aloe works too.
-No lotion is better than too much lotion. Be careful not to overdo it. Too much lotion can make the skin break out and lead to infections.
Keep this up for the next 7–10 days.
IF WE USED SECOND SKIN
-Wear the first layer for 8–24 hours to allow initial plasma and ink buildup. Then remove it in a warm shower by peeling it off slowly, parallel to your skin. Apply a fresh layer of second skin and keep it on for 3–5 days (7 days max in total). While it's on, avoid soaking, excessive sweating, and direct sunlight.
-After the final removal, wash gently with fragrance-free soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented aftercare cream 2–3 times a day for 7–10 days.
Do's and don'ts:
- Do not apply any lotions or creams while the second skin is on.
- Remove it early if the film leaks, lifts, or causes itching or redness beyond the edges.
- Never rip the film off dry. Use warm water to loosen the adhesive.
- Avoid swimming, baths, saunas, and tight clothing rubbing against the tattoo.
Took the second skin off and don't have any more to put on?
-No big deal. Switch over to the regular aftercare starting from the "Next day" step (wash twice a day, no lotion until it feels dry and tight or scabs form) and carry on from there.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE ITS HEALING
-It will form scabs. Do not pick the scabs. I know it's tempting. DON’T DO IT!
-It will get itchy. Gently slap the tattoo to relieve it. Scratching is a bad idea.
-The gym is fine starting the day after, just wash the tattoo thoroughly afterwards.
-Wear loose clothing over your tattoo.
-Your tattoo should be healed in roughly 2 weeks, depending on the location and how much that skin moves.
-You'll notice it looks shiny or has a milky tone to the darker areas. That's normal and sheds away after a month or so.
TOUCH-UPS
-One *free touch-up is included for the first 6 months if needed, at my discretion. If proper aftercare isn't followed, there will be a charge for the touch-up.
*Tattoos in spots where I told you the ink wouldn't hold well do not get free touch-ups.
Questions? Shoot me a text or message me on Instagram @bad_habit204.
Love your tattoo?
-Every friend you send earns you $25 off your next tattoo. This reward IS stackable! Send 3 people my way before your next tattoo, that’ll get you $75 off! And they get $20 off their first one too. Just have them tell me you sent them! Check the referral program page for all the details!