Aftercare
How do I take care of my new tattoo?
Aftercare is arguably more important than the session. This plays the biggest role in how a tattoo will heal and whether or not you need a touch up. So let’s make it simple!
You will leave the studio after your session with your tattoo covered in one of three ways:
Derm Shield: (Recovery Derm, Second skin, Saniderm, Tegaderm, etc.
Tattoo Armour: This is a sterilized pad that will soak up all the initial plasma leakage. Usually this is reserved for multi-day sessions or special cases.
Conventional Healing / Saran Wrap
How long before the first wash will depend which way we wrapped your tattoo. I will tell you when to remove the wrap. Make sure that when you remove your wrap you have access to a clean environment.
Derm Shield (Recovery Derm, Saniderm, Second Skin, etc.)
Step 1: Leave it alone.
If you’re using Recovery Derm (Saniderm) which is our standard tattoo healing method, then you should leave the bandage on for 4-5 days.
During this time you are simply resting, avoiding sun exposure, avoiding sweating, and monitoring the bandage for leaking. If leaking occurs, gently drain as much liquid as possible, clean the area with alcohol, and re-seal the bandage so that no air or moisture can get in.
This is the most crucial part of the whole process. If you notice any extra sensitive spots or feel that there may be something abnormal happening, please contact your artist immediately.
Step 2: Remove the Saniderm
We recommend completing this step in the shower. Remove it at the end of your normal shower and this will help make the process easier as the steam, water and soap loosen the adhesive. Do it slowly and be patient.
Step 3: Cleaning
There will be a layer of plasma / fluid on the tattoo. It’s especially important that you clean all of this plasma off. Even if you don’t see plasma buildup, you’ll want to be sure to clean the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap thoroughly. You can apply light pressure, but DO NOT use a loofah or your nails to clean the tattoo! If you feel like you need a bit more “grip” use a damp clean paper towel and gently wipe - this will usually remove any lingering plasma.
Now that you have removed your derm shield, let the tattoo dry. DO NOT use a towel to do this because they hold bacteria. Either let it air dry or use clean paper towels to dab off water. Not sure if your tattoo is dry enough? Wait until your skin starts feeling tight. This will be your cue to apply ointment or lotion throughout the healing process.
Step 4: Applying Ointment
Apply a LIGHT layer of ointment. Be careful to only apply enough to give it a satin shine. You can always use a clean paper towel to dab off excess ointment.
**Note: Less is more. using too much ointment or applying too often can lead to healing complications. You may be given specialized tattoo aftercare at the studio, but otherwise Palmer’s Cocoa butter is a great choice and easy to pickup at your local pharmacy**
Step 5: Repeat the cleaning process daily and apply ointment as needed.
Your tattoo needs to be cleaned once daily (minimum) so on a typical day cleaning during your shower is perfect. Additional cleaning is recommended if you engage in any strenuous activity (gym, work, etc.) or if your tattoo comes into contact with possible contaminants.
Ointment should be reapplied after cleaning and as needed throughout the day (possibly 4-5 times). Always let the tattoo dry out completely before reapplying, and when the skin starts to feel dry to the touch, tight, or itchy - these are cues to apply more ointment.
Once the tattooed skin starts flaking and peeling, these are also visual cues that you’re able to switch from ointment to a scent free and dye free lotion if you prefer.
**Again, less is more.**
For the first week, repeat the process 2-3 times a day. For the second week, 1-2 times a day. When you wake up, before going to sleep, and if you engage in any strenuous activities. Remember you only have to wrap the tattoo in seran wrap for the first 3-5 days. After that, just wash, clean and hydrate. Remember to apply ointment whenever it feels tight and dry.
Thank you for caring for your tattoo!
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If your tattoo bandage can’t be patched up, or if it’s been exposed for more than an hour, you’ll move on to the “Conventional Healing Method.”
The tattoo still needs to remain covered for the first 3-5 days to prevent contamination and scabbing. Wash the area carefully, let the tattoo dry, apply a thin layer of ointment and wrap the area in saran wrap.
Repeat the process 3 times a day with a clean piece of saran wrap each time and leave the wrap on for no more than 8 hours at one time. If your tattoo still feels very moist and hydrated you can clean and re-wrap the tattoo dry (alternating applying ointment or wrapping dry each time).
Once the tattoo starts to peel, it means you’re back on track and you can move onto “Step 3.”
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Don’t work out for the first week. Your immune system is working to heal the “wound,” so if it starts healing muscle too it will have to choose which is more important, and spoiler alert it never chooses the tattoo.
Don’t submerge the tattoo in of water. No swimming, hot tubs, or saunas until the skin returns to normal.
Don’t expose your tattoo to direct sunlight until it is fully healed. After healing properly, Spf 45+ is our minimum recommendation.
Don’t let your pets tough your tattoo! Pets are the #1 cause of infections in new tattoos (with the gym being #2). Be mindful when petting/playing with your fur babies. If they sleep in bed with you, make sure you have clean sheets and make sure there is a blanket between you. You can also wear clothing that protects your healing tattoo from exposure (sweats and long sleeve shirts).
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Moisture Rash:
Small red bumps or pimples surrounding the tattoo, specifically where you haven’t been tattooed. This is a sign that you are using too much ointment or lotion because the un-tattooed area does not need the excess hydration. If you notice this, I recommend cleaning your tattoo thoroughly, and not applying ointment for about 12-24 hours. You should see improvements by then.
Hot Spots
Small isolated spots of your tattoos that are either red, inflamed, swollen, hot to the touch, and/or discolored. This can happen when a small amount of bacteria has gotten into your tattoo, whether from contact with a contaminated surface, pet dander, not sanitizing your hands/area before cleaning, etc. This is an early sign for an infection. In the event that this happens, you’ll need to spot treat the area.
Start by washing the tattoo really well with antibacterial soap, then wipe it down with alcohol. Once it’s air dry, put Neosporin or a triple antibiotic ointment on those areas only. Normal ointment can be used on the other areas of the tattoo.
These are not common occurrences, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for. If you notice either of these conditions in your tattoo contact our artist immediately.
Your health is always our first priority. If these conditions worsen (especially after the treatment mentioned here) you’re encouraged to speak with your doctor during any part of the healing process that you deem it necessary.
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Do you draw tattoos beforehand or send designs before my appointment date?
No. We have a consistent flow of clientele and priority is always given to our clients for the day/ week of the appointment. You’ll appreciate the same level of attention when you’re working with us.
How do Deposits work?
A deposit is a downpayment toward your tattoo with cash, card, etc.
Deposits are left with your artist so that they can reserve time in their schedule for your appointment with the understanding that you want to follow through with your discussed tattoo project. Deposits vary in amount depending on the artist but they are always applied to your LAST session.
Deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule your appointment, the studio and all its artists require a minimum of 14 days’ notice otherwise your deposit will be forfeited.
Are you appointment only or do you take walk-ins?
Our Studio is strictly appointment only. Please fill out the inquiry form if you wish to book a tattoo with us.
Do you have in person consultations?
Every artist has a different process unique to them. If you’d like to setup a consultation in person please mention that in your initial inquiry or as you correspond with your artist.
Do you do cover ups?
Yes. Not every artist here has style that is suited for it, but as a shop we are happy to take them on. Please submit your request and we can discuss options, which artist will be the best fit for the project, and whether your current taottoo might need laser removal work beforehand.