Aftercare do's and dont's
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Take care of your new tattoo by following the instructions I give you at your appointment. If you’re ever unsure or have questions, just shoot me an email - I’m here to help!
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Be gentle with your tattoo - it’s basically an open wound and needs extra love to heal properly.
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If I applied a second skin bandage, leave it on for 3-5 days unless you notice signs of an allergic reaction. In that case, remove it earlier. When it’s time to take it off, do it in a warm shower with clean hands - don’t peel it off dry, trust me, that’s no fun!
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Wash your tattoo with something gentle, like antibacterial or “no-soap” soap (Sanex Zero is a great option). Skip the washcloths and loofahs, and use a clean paper towel to pat it dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before you put on moisturizer - wet skin can cause unnecessary scabbing.
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When you moisturize, rub it in completely so there’s no shiny layer sitting on top. You’ll want to wash and moisturize about three times a day for the first two weeks, or anytime your tattoo touches something dirty.
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Leave scabs and flakes alone - don’t pick or scratch them! Picking can pull out pigment and might even cause scarring. Let them fall off naturally, no matter how tempting it is.
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Avoid anything fragranced, medicated, or textured (like exfoliating cleansers or moisturizers). Also, stay away from swimming, saunas, hot baths, and anything that soaks your tattoo for the first two weeks - it should only touch clean running water when you wash it. If you’re wearing tattoo film, you can still shower, just make sure the film isn’t soaking in water.
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Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for two weeks, and avoid clothes that might rub or irritate it while it’s healing. If you’re going somewhere with a lot of germs (like public transport or crowded places), take extra care to protect your tattoo.
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Remember, your tattoo is an open wound while it heals, so treat it with care to avoid infection. If you have concerns or just want to check in, send me a healed pic after two weeks to a month. I’d love to see how it’s settling in!