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The Healing Ritual

A meticulous guide to preserving the integrity of your new work of art.

01

Saniderm/ Second Skin

This clear bandage is water resistant, not water proof. Showers are okay but do not submerge yourself in water (no baths, pools, lakes, etc). I would recommend keeping the clear bandage on for a minimum of 3 days. If for whatever reason you notice and redness along the edge of the bandage then go ahead and take off the second skin even if it hasn't been the full three days. Also if your bandage/ tattoo leaks outside of the bandage then go ahead and take off the second skin and start the aftercare process. While you have the second skin on please refrain from working out, sweating into the bandage, and from being in direct sunlight.

04

Maintaining A Quality Tattoo

Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals. Use a high-SPF, non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent the skin from becoming dry and the ink from fading. Stay hydrated to ensure your tattoo heals as well as it can. If you have pets I would recommend wearing long sleeves (depending on location of tattoo) and loose fitting clothing while your tattoos heal. This helps minimize the risk of exposure to pet scratches, licks/ saliva, and "dirty" paws from making contact on your fresh tattoo.

02

Tattoo Armor

This is for those who cannot use the saniderm/ second skin.

 

At the end of our appointment I will apply ointment on your fresh tattoo (it will be a lot and will be the only time your tattoo will need that much ointment). I will cover your tattoo with tattoo armor which essentially is a pad You'll only have the tattoo armor on for a minimum of 3 hours. Once you take off the tattoo armor you will then clean your tattoo with an unscented antibacterial soap. Either pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. I would recommend wearing lose clothing over night that you would not mind getting dirty. You'll leave your tattoo alone over night, the following morning you will start the aftercare process.

05

Touch Ups

Usually after the first month of your tattoo you can gauge how it's settling into the skin. You need to wait at least a month to ensure your tattoo is healed before coming back for a touch up. Sometimes your tattoo will heal lighter than what you had expected and will just need a light pass to boost the contrast where needed. How long the touch up session will be will depend on the size, detail, and amount of touch up needed. 

03

Aftercare Process

You will wash your tattoo with an unscented antibacterial soap. Once your tattoo is clean you will then use a small amount of unscented ointment to moisturize your tattoo. I recommend a water base moisturizer like the Cerave Daily Moisturizer. You can also use moisturized made specifically for tattoos such as Hustle Butter, or Mad Rabbit. Remember that a little bit of ointment goes a long way. Do not over moisturize. I would recommend washing and moisturizing your tattoo no more than twice a day. You can do this in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed.

06

Having a hard time healing?

If you are having trouble with the aftercare process or have any questions or concerns about how your tattoo is healing please feel free to reach out to me or the studio. We are here to help you!

Overview of Aftercare Rituals

1. Hydration Ritual

Apply a thin layer of you unscented moisturizer to maintain skin elasticity and prevent cracking.

2. Gentle Cleansing

Wash the tattoo with warm water and an unscented antibacterial soap. Avoid harsh scrubbing or hot water.

3. Avoid Irritants

Steer clear of alcohol, perfumed lotions, and harsh chemicals. These can disrupt the healing process and can affect how your tattoo heals. 
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Other things to avoid when healing:

  • DO NOT Scratch or pick.

  • DO NOT use petroleum-based rubs like Vaseline or Neosporin.

  • DO NOT use harsh cleansers or scented lotion.

  • DO NOT use tanning beds or tanning sprays for 2-3 weeks. UV rays are ALWAYS bad for tattoo-aging, so to preserve it remember to always wear sunscreen, and protect your tattoos from the sun to preserve the beauty of your tattoo as the years pass.  This should continue, even after the tattoo is fully healed.

  • DO NOT submerge in water. Showers are great but no baths, ocean or lake water for at least the first 3 weeks.  

  • Swimming should be avoided for the first three weeks as well.

  • Avoid sunburn, salt or chlorine water, or hot tubs until your tattoo is completely healed.

4. Sun Protection

Use a high SPF sunscreen or a specialized tattoo aftercare cream to prevent fading and sun damage.

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