Tattoo Aftercare

Welcome to my aftercare instructions! Please take the time to read the entire thing, I promise it’s worth it :)

There are four basic steps to using this healing method:

1.) Keep the tattoo wrapped for a minimum of 24, up to two days
2.) Keep the tattoo SUPER CLEAN
3.) Moisturize the tattoo
4.) Don't mess with the tattoo

I have applied a bandage called Tegaderm to your tattoo. It is a clear breathable bandage which will keep your tattoo protected and wet for the first couple of days of healing.

The bandage is see-through, so it is normal for the bandage to begin to look *extremely gross* after wearing it for a couple of hours. Although it will likely look alarming this is nothing to worry about, it is simply blood plasma and excess ink.

You can shower wearing this bandage, wear clothing on top of it, etc. Please use common sense, do not vigorously dry the bandage post-shower, be careful when pulling your clothes on over it, etc. Please wear the bandage for between 24 hours, up to 2 days. Longer is better.

Occasionally you will notice that the Tegaderm bandage can leak out some plasma/ink around the edge. Although this is upsetting to be behold (because looks gross) it’s not a big deal. Simply wash the edge of the bandage gently, so long as the bandage is still fully covering the tattoo you’ve got nothing to worry about!

If the bandage begins to peel up so that the fresh tattoo is exposed to air please remove the bandage and proceed to the “washing” step.

When it is time to remove the bandage do so in the shower. Remove it slowly, peeling it carefully back, close to the skin (as opposed to ripping it off).

THOROUGHLY wash the tattoo. Use Dr. Bronner's soap (any Dr. Bronner's soap is fine, although I would suggest steering clear of mint of tea tree as they will tingle like crazy---Dial or another unscented soap is also fine). Use the firm gentle pressure of your hands (NO washcloth/loofah/etc.) to wash the tattoo for at least three minutes.

Pressure is key here, you want to completely remove all of the plasma clinging to the tattoo (especially in heavily saturated/colorful areas). Don’t be shy! It’s normal for this to feel a little tender, but the first wash is the most critical.

Wash the tattoo until you think it is clean, then wash it again. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels, or, freshly washed towel.

Your goal is to make sure that the skin looks clean, not shiny or gooey. This shininess is blood plasma and you want to get as much of it off of your tattoo as possible. This step is VERY important.

Once the tattoo is unwrapped pay close attention to it for a day or two. You want to wash it a minimum of twice a day, but if it looks shiny or gooey wash it more often.

Anytime you touch your tattoo you must have clean, freshly washed hands.

When the tattoo begins to feel "tight" (like dry skin) moisturize it. For some people this is immediately upon unwrapping, for other people a day or two later. I like Cúrel brand unscented lotion. Apply the lotion whenever the tattoo itches.

DO NOT PICK AT THE TATTOO. It is normal to have some scabbiness or peeling, it will be pigmented, like the design. Let everything come off on it's own. Be patient, it's worth it! The tattoo may itch as it is healing. Resist the temptation to scratch!

Continue moisturizing until the tattoo is done peeling/the skin is no longer scaly etc.

While the tattoo is healing avoid exposing it to lots of direct sunlight, swimming, baths/soaking and any kind of tanning.

Do not apply sunscreen to a healing tattoo. Once the tattoo is done healing however sunscreen is great as this will prolong the brightness of the colors in your tattoo.

After the tattoo is completely done peeling/no longer scaly you can resume swimming/etc.

Please contact me directly with any additional questions, lygeria@gmail.com

Thank you!