✶ AfTeRcArE

✶ AfTeRcArE

AfTeR YoUr ApPoInTmEnT:

✶ I recommend leaving your bandage on for at least 24 hours but you can leave it on for up to 3 days. Please remove the bandage immediately if: you experience itching or burning, if the bandage is leaking fluid, has substantial fluid buildup, or if the bandage peels off exposing any part of your tattoo.

✶ Do not exercise/avoid excessive sweating while your bandage is on.

✶ The bandages are waterproof but I recommend keeping showers short and avoiding baths. No swimming!!!

ReMoVinG YoUr bAnDaGe:

It’s best to remove the bandage while in the shower or under running water. With clean hands pull the bandage over itself in the direction of hair growth. You can also gently pull at a corner like a command strip, grabbing more of the bandage as it pulls away from the skin to avoid tearing. Make sure to take your bandage off at the end of your shower with clean hands.

cLeAnInG yOuR TaTtOo:

After washing your hands, gently lather your tattoo with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. I recommend Dove or Dial antibacterial bar soap but feel free to use whatever works best for your skin as long as it’s unscented. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Do this twice a day until the flakes are gone from your tattoo.

MoIsTuRiZiNg YoUr tAtToO:

After you’ve washed your tattoo, apply an unscented lotion or tattoo-specific moisturizer (Hustle Butter is a great option). I do not recommend Aquaphor for hand pokes as the process is less traumatic to the skin, resulting in slightly faster healing times, less scabbing, and less inflammation.

HeAlInG TiMeS:

Your tattoo will take 2-4 weeks to fully heal. This will depend on the amount of shading in the design, if there is color, and your immune system. Color can take up to 4 weeks to fully heal and might scab more than black ink. Everyone’s body is different so healing times may vary from person to person. Generally, hand pokes heal within 2 to 3 weeks with some flaking. There is usually an itchy phase during the healing process that can be remedied by massaging a small amount of lotion on your tattoo until it’s relieved.

Getting tattooed during warmer months requires a bit more patience and care. Failing to properly care for your tattoo can result in irritation, infection, and/or ink fallout. Picking at scabs and flakes is what causes the ink to fall out and sun exposure is what causes a tattoo (of any color) to fade.

Always moisturize and wear sunscreen when your tattoo is healed!

AvOiD tHe FolLoWiNg:

✶ Touching, picking, or scratching your tattoo, especially with dirty hands.
✶ Long showers, swimming, baths, etc. Keep it dry.
✶ No shaving shaving while your tattoo is healing.
✶ Avoid tight or scratchy clothing.
✶ Do not put a bandage on or wrap your tattoo while it’s healing.
✶ Avoid direct sunlight and do not use sunscreen until healed, about 2 weeks.