Tattoo Aftercare
1: Wash hands with antibacterial soap prior to touching or washing your tattoo.
2: Use an unscented antibacterial soap such as Dial Gold. Any fragrant soaps can cause irritation to the skin. Please wash your tattoo 2- 3 times a day or when ever you feel it has come into contact with potential contaminates. Example: Animals, dirt, sweat from the gym, grabbed by some one else etc…. . If you are in a position where you cannot clean your tattoo, it helps to have spray bactine on hand to substitute a cleaning. THE FIRST FEW DAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOT ALLOW ANY PLASMA TO SETTLE ON YOUR TATTOO. Allowing plasma to settle on your tattoo will lead to scabbing and a poor heal in these areas.
It is perfectly fine to shower, just bring your soap into the shower with you, do not use abrasive wash clothes or submerging your tattoo for long periods of time under water. Please avoid lakes, pools or public bodies of water until after your tattoo heals.
Please avoid direct sunlight for long durations. Long exposure to direct sunlight on a fresh tattoo will continue to damage your skin but as well impact the healing quality of your tattoo.
3: Always use paper towels to pat your tattoo dry. Please, no cotton reusable towels. Loose fibers and repetitive use of a damp towel can lead to potential infection. If you go to bed and wake up either with clothing or sheets stuck to your tattoo, DO NOT RIP THE FABRIC OFF. This may cause you to pull out ink from your new tattoo. The best thing to do is soak the fabric and let it sit for a moment. Then gently peel any stuck fabric from the tattoo.
4: For the first 2-3 days use A&D ointment or Aquaphor in THIN LAYERS after you wash your tattoo. Excessive and thick layer usage of these ointments can suffocate your tattoo and cause the pores of your skin to become clogged. The area will break out in little bumps or pimples. If this occurs stop or reduce the amount of ointment you use or switch over to a thinner consistency body lotion that is unscented.
5: After the 2-3 days of A& D or Aquaphor, switch over to an unscented body lotion for the remainder of the 3-4 weeks of healing. Please continue to wash and care for your tattoo until it fully peels like a sunburn. You do not want to pick at the peeling of your tattoo, this can lead to the ink being pulled out of your skin and bare spots in your tattoo.
Once your tattoo peels you are free to go ahead and swim and use tanning lotions on the area as well as use the public gym freely.
GYM: It is best to avoid exercises at the gym that require you to come into contact with any communal equipment, mats or machine surfaces, that other members may sweat on. Not all members or gym staff may have the best gym etiquette when it comes to sterilizing equipment after excessive use. It is best to wait at least a week to two weeks before going to the gym. It is important to clean your tattoo after your work out. please take it easy if your tattoo is in a location will receive a lot of motion. ( elbow, elbow ditches, knees, feet ...)
It is recommended during the healing process not to wear synthetic or tight fitting clothing that may rub against your tattoo. This can affect how it heals. Tight fitting clothing can lead to premature peeling of the tattoo as well as air cannot get to the tattoo.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask : ohh.inks@gmail.com
Redness , Swelling, Irritation
Redness, irritation and swelling can be common after receiving a tattoo. However, when redness and lingering pain that lasts over a couple weeks can be signs of early infection. At this point, it is important to reflect on your aftercare regiment. In most cases, your tattoo needs another cleaning added to your daily routine assisted by the use of Bactine multiple times a day. Bactine is an anti-bacterial spray that can be found at most convenience stores. It contains lidocaine as well to help alleviate any soreness. It cannot be stressed enough to continue to clean your tattoo.
If cleaning your tattoo does not seem to be the root cause , try reducing or eliminating the use of A&D or Aquaphor. Sometimes allowing your tattoo to be drowned in thick ointments will cultivate Infection. And in rare cases clients can have a sensitivity to A&D or Aquaphor. It is suggested to switch to your unscented body lotion. You can go as far as to change your bedding or spot treat concern areas of your tattoo with Neosporin.
Neosporin can be an option, however, DO NOT APPLY OVER THE ENTIRE TATTOO. This antibacterial gel can lift the ink out of your tattoo, and it should only be for spot treatment.
If your tattoo is feeling “tight”, are you using enough lotion through out the day? Have you tried drinking more water to hydrate yourself? Sometimes drinking more water through out the day can help with diets that contain a lot of caffeinated drinks that typically dehydrate you. Excess dehydration can impact how your skin heals and affect your tattoo.
Bactine & Neosporin can be found at : Walmart, Target, CVS, and some local grocery stores
Touch-up Policy
Client’s are guaranteed a free touch-up with in 5 months of their tattoo appointment. Any time after the 5 month mark, the client will be charged a $50 set-up fee up to the first 5 years.
Tattoos performed by Michelle that are older than 5 years old and show serious wear and tear, the client will be charged half the hourly rate to touch-up the work. This is due to the client receiving touch-up work beyond minor corrections.
This touch-Up policy only applies to tattoo work that Michelle has produced. Tattoo work brought to Michelle performed by other artists are subject to being charged her normal hourly rate.