Thank you for coming in and getting a tattoo!
Please find below the information for general aftercare for your tattoo.
As well the breakdown for dri-loc/absorbent bandages, and second skin bandages.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Email: M.Kirbyson.Art@gmail.com
While your tattoo is healing please avoid:
1) Submerging your tattoo in water: Swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas, etc. These can make your tattoo fade fast, heal poorly and can greatly raise the risk of infection.
2) Direct sunlight for a minimum of 2-3 weeks while your tattoo is healing. A sunburn can make your tattoo heal poorly. Do not put sunscreen on during the healing process, keep the tattoo covered by loose fitting clothing. After it's healed use sunscreen as the sun will age the tattoo faster.
3) Scented lotion and soap. Avoid these, they can make your tattoo heal poorly and your skin can have a bad reaction from them.
4) Healing creams/balms and antibiotic ointments/creams. Please do not use them. They can make your tattoo heal poorly. However, if you think you may have an infection seek out a Doctors help and follow their instructions.
5) Scratching/itching/picking. Let your scabs do their thing. If your tattoo itches you can gently scratch around the area, or apply a thin amount of lotion to help soothe.
6) Tight clothing. These can add extra friction, rub off scabs, and potentially irritate the skin furthering your healing process. If you can, please try to wear loose fitting clothing for the first 1 - 2 weeks of the healing process.
If you were bandaged with a Dri-loc/ Absorbent pad:
General Care:
1) If you notice any redness or red bumps around the tape or the bandage, please remove the bandage/tape immediately and wash the area well with warm water, and a mild soap. You may be potentially having an allergic reaction. Please seek our medical attention to address the reaction.
Washing your tattoo:
1) You may need to wash your tattoo 1 - 4 times a day. If your tattoo is seeping, or is feeling tight, a gentle wash can help clean up the area, and offer relief.
2) When you wash your tattoo, please do NOT have the water directly on top of your tattoo. Rather have it above the area and allow the water to flow down.
3) With clean hands, warm water, gently wash your tattoo with a mild, gentle soap. (Hypoallergenic, baby soap, Dr.Bronners, Aveeno, etc.) Rinse with warm water and another rinse with cold water. (This method is beneficial if your tattoo is seeping. If your tattoo is not seeping(leaking), a warm rinse only is perfect!)
4) Gently pat dry your tattoo with a clean, piece of paper towel. Anytime you wash your tattoo, let your tattoo air dry for a minimum of 15 minutes before putting on any lotion.
Lotion:
1) Lotion is not meant to heal your tattoo, instead it is your body that will heal the tattoo. The lotion can help to aid in the healing process, and soothe some discomfort.
2) After you remove the bandage, and have washed it, please wait approximately 24 hours before applying any lotion.
3) Apply a thin amount of an unscented lotion when needed, and gently massage into your tattoo. Less is more. Dab/ wipe off any extra with a piece of paper towel. Lotion may be needed when the tattoo feels dry/tight, like chapped lips. Or if the tattoo becomes itchy, lotion can help soothe it.
(Lotion recommendations: Hypoallergenic, baby lotion, aveeno, lubriderm, etc.)
You tattoo may look healed within a week, however; your tattoo may take upwards of 6 - 8 weeks to fully heal.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Email: M.Kirbyson.Art@Gmail.com
If you were bandaged with a second skin bandage:
General Care:
1) If you notice any redness, or bumps in or around the bandage/ edge of the bandage, please remove the second skin bandage immediately. Wash the area well with warm water, and a mild soap. You may be potentially having an allergic reaction. Please seek our medical attention to address the reaction.
2) You can keep the bandage on for up to 3 -5 days. As long as there aren't any large ink 'sacs' and the bandage is staying in place. (Meaning no edges/corners are peeling up, and there is no leakage from any edges.)
3) When you take the wrap off you can peel it with the flow of your hair growth, or at a bottom edge, pull the bandage down in a stretching kind of manner. Try to take the bandage off in the shower if you can. The warm water can help to loosen the bandage up.
Washing your tattoo:
1) When you are taking off your bandage, please try to take it off in the shower. The warm water can help to loosen up the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
2) When you wash your tattoo, please do NOT have the water directly on top of your tattoo. Rather have it above the area and allow the water to flow down.
3) With clean hands, warm water, gently wash your tattoo with a mild, gentle soap. (Hypoallergenic, baby soap, Dr.Bronners, Aveeno, etc.) Rinse with warm water and another rinse with cold water. (This method is beneficial if your tattoo is seeping. If your tattoo is not seeping(leaking), a warm rinse only is perfect!)
4) Gently pat dry your tattoo with a clean, piece of paper towel. Anytime you wash your tattoo, let your tattoo air dry for a minimum of 15 minutes before putting on any lotion.
Lotion:
1) Lotion is not meant to heal your tattoo, your body will heal the tattoo on it's own. The lotion can help aid in the healing process and soothe some discomfort.
2) After you remove the bandage, and have washed your tattoo, please wait approximately 24 hours before applying any lotion.
3) Apply a thin amount of an unscented lotion when needed, and gently massage into your tattoo. Less is more. Dab/ wipe off any extra with a piece of paper towel. Lotion may be needed when the tattoo feels dry/tight, like chapped lips. Or if the tattoo becomes itchy, lotion can help soothe it.
(Lotion recommendations: Hypoallergenic, baby lotion, Aveeno, Lubriderm, etc.)
You tattoo may look healed within a week, however; your tattoo may take upwards of 6 - 8 weeks to fully heal.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Email: M.Kirbyson.Art@Gmail.com