Tattoo Aftercare Guide
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First Day
- Leave second skin (plastic film) on for 2-3 hours
- Wash your hands and gently remove the second skin
- Rinse your tattoo with fragrance-free soap and water
- Pat dry with clean paper towel and rest 10-15 min
- Apply a thin layer of A+D Ointment or Aquaphor
- Do not cover the tattoo to allow some time to breathe
*If you are in a particularly unsterile environment, gently wrap clean plastic wrap around your tattoo and affix with tape
Also do this if it is still bloody/ oozing when getting ready for bed -
First Few Days
- Wash and apply the same moisturizer to your tattoo 1-2 times per day
-Your tattoo will begin to scab. Do not pick at nor scratch the area, this can pull out some of the ink and possibly lead to scarring
*Apply moisturizer or anti-itch cream if needed to ease the itching -
First Few Weeks
- Continue to wash and moisturize your tattoo 1-2 times per day but feel free to use a fragrance and alcohol-free moisturizer of choice
- Keep an eye out for signs of infection: swelling, puss, red bumps, pain
*Contact the shop or a doctor if one or more of these signs are present
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Things to Avoid (2-3 weeks)
- Sunlight (even with sunscreen)
- Swimming in the ocean / pool
- Baths or Hot Tubs
- Scratching or picking at scabs
- Tight clothing around tattoo
- Shaving the tattoo-ed area
- High intensity work-outs
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Things to Do
- Use sunscreen outside (at least SPF 30)
- Keep the tattoo moisturized and clean
- Apply layer of vaseline before shower
- Shower only in cool/ lukewarm water
- Be kind to your skin and let it heal