all about aftercare
fully healed peony + lily half sleeve
Hi friendos!
Here, I’m going to go over my aftercare recommendations!
DISCLAIMER: Tattoo aftercare is a hot topic among tattoo artists and tattoo clients. Everyone has their routine, everyone has an opinion — and there is a LOT of variety in opinions on this topic.
I have said, and always will say, that it is imperative that you follow the specific instructions your tattooer gives you for each tattoo you get. Yes, that means different tattooers may give you completely different instructions. There is no one “correct” way — aftercare can look very different for different skin types, different tattoo placements and different styles.
I always go over specific aftercare personally with each client after each tattoo — this set of instructions is a general guideline that my clients can refer back to in case they forget any key points.
my aftercare instructions
Wash your hands, and remove your bandage after 1-3 hours. Try not to remove your bandage in public — wait till you get home, where it’s clean. Please remember that the bandage is protecting your fresh tattoo — an open wound — from bacteria. Removing your bandage in public could expose it to dangerous bacteria and cause infection.
Gently wash your tattoo using your hands, an unscented soap (I recommend Dr. Bronner’s unscented baby castile soap, or gold Dial), and lukewarm water. Your tattoo will probably weep a bit, and it might look like ink is coming out — it’s not, and this is normal. :) AVOID: washcloths/loofahs, very hot water, and scented products.
Pat your tattoo dry with paper towels, or air dry completely. Do not rub, be gentle, and ensure your tattoo is fully dry.
Apply a thin layer of vitamin A+D ointment or Aquaphor healing ointment to your tattoo. Your skin needs to breathe, excessive ointment could cause a breakout.
Repeat the wash-dry-ointment process 2-3 times a day for 3 days.
After 3 days, stop using ointment, and simply apply an unscented moisturizer to your tattoo at least 3 times a day. It’s crucial to keep a healing tattoo well-moisturized to prevent scabbing and fallout!
Continue moisturizing frequently until your tattoo is fully healed, about 3-4 weeks.
other tips + info
If you feel that your tattoo is showing signs of infection (very extreme redness and swelling that doesn’t go away, oozing, bumps, rash, etc.) seek medical care immediately.
While your tattoo heals, avoid: excessive sunlight, very hot/steamy showers, scented body products, swimming or submerging your tattoo.
Wait until your tattoo is healed before applying sunscreen — covering the tattoo with clothing is your best bet for sun protection.
Do not pick, scratch or slap your itchy tattoo! Try cold water or more moisturizer for itching.
You can donate blood two weeks after getting tattooed, but they will ask for a copy of your consent form. I can provide this to you if you give me at least three days’ notice!
PRODUCTS I LIKE FOR AFTERCARE (you do not need to use these exact products! Just make sure whatever you use is unscented!):
Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby Castile Soap/Gold Dial soap
CeraVe Unscented Daily Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Unscented Moisturizing Cream
Not following your artist’s aftercare instructions properly can result in some lines falling out or not healing properly, more scabbing/discomfort than is necessary, and in rare cases, infection. Please don’t turn to Google or your friend or your uncle — if you have questions, please send me an email!
As always, thank you for being interested in my work + what I have to say!
Later, alligators :)
Casey