AFTERCARE

ONCE YOU LEAVE THE STUDIO, THE REST IS UP TO YOU!

Aftercare can dictate whether your tattoo will require touching up, or need re-working altogether.

Even the best tattoos susceptible to poor aftercare.

We are always available if you have any questions, so do not hesitate to ask!

That being said! Please make sure you read the guidelines below, as the answer may be provided.

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Average Healing Time:

About 3-4 weeks depending on the individual's healing rate and whether guidelines are followed.

Fine Line Tattoos tend to heal more quickly than shading, colour or heavier work, with proper care.

*Fresh tattoos should continue to be protected from sun, pool (chlorine) damage for the first month or more of its life until new layers of skin can grow over the top of the ink to prevent ageing, bleaching or scar tissue formation

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Things to Expect:

  • Flakes/Scabbing (Just a part of the healing process)

  • As a new layer of skin grows over the top of the new ink sitting in your skin, it will appear a tad less 'black' or 'pigmented.'

  • As your tattoo settles into the skin, the lines will soften slightly. This is why a lot of the tattoos we see from 50 years ago are so blurry today. The ink of the time was not as it is now. But don't worry; today's inks are designed for longevity and will only soften so far (with proper sun care).

  • Depending on how the healing process goes, your tattoo may need a touch-up. Don't sweat it. Healing-related touch-ups are free (so long as they aren't in excess and due to aftercare neglect).

  • Your tattoo will likely be a bit puffy, warm and tender after your session. All should recede over the first day of healing. (You can apply ice to bring down puffiness and aid quick recovery so long as there is a clean barrier between the ice and tattoo)​

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GENERAL RULES BEST FOLLOWED:

HELP YOUR BODY HEAL

Keep it clean

Keep hydrated

Get enough sleep

Reduce stress

Eat well & enough

(Solid rules for every day)

Your Immune system will thank you & so will your tattoo!

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SECOND SKIN & BANDAGES:

AT THE END OF YOUR SESSION YOU WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH A 'SECOND SKIN' BANDAGE to protect your tattoo for the first 1-3 DAYS of healing.

GENERAL SECOND SKIN TIPS, RULES & WHAT TO EXPECT

  • You can periodically ice your tattoo during the early stages to bring down inflammation & promote speedy healing. Just make sure there is a clean, waterproof barrier between your ice pack & your tattoo.

  • If the SECOND SKIN irritates your skin too much or starts to come off; you can take it off at any point beyond the day after your session. ( follow the post removal guidelines below )

  • With your SECOND SKIN on, you will be able to shower since the bandage is waterproof. Just be sure to keep an eye on the edges of the bandage in case they start to curl or let water in, and avoid hot showers if they cause you to sweat at all. Keep hot water away from your tattoo. *Regular bandages/gauze must still be kept away from water

  • If you find you are in a sweaty environment or moisture starts to pocket or build in excess under your SECOND SKIN, remove the wrap, gently cleanse it, then allow the skin to air out to avoid infection or poor healing. ( follow the post removal guidelines below )

  • It's normal to see a thin layer of plasma & rejected ink smeared around under your SECOND SKIN. Only excessive build-up or pocketing warrants removing the wrap. *This is more likely for colour projects or tattoos with solid packing that are more likely to weep over the next 24 hours. For these pieces, you may see a larger pocket of plasma and rejected ink. You can remove your bandage after 24 hours and wash your tattoo in these cases.

  • Your SECOND SKIN or bandage will help eliminate some friction from clothes & activities but still be gentle with the area.

  • Try not to spend a long time in positions that may wrinkle or crease your SECOND SKIN. This may cause inconsistencies in the healing.

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HOW LONG TO LEAVE THE SECOND SKIN OR BANDAGE ON

FOR RECIPIENTS OF FINE LINE OR MICRO TATTOOS:

So long as the SECOND SKIN doesn't irritate your skin past the point of a bit of an itch, you can wear this first wrap for the first 3 days of healing.

If you have been given an alternative wrap/bandage to second skin, you can take this bandage off after 24 hours.

FOR RECIPIENTS OF HEAVY SHADING, SOLID FILL OR COLOUR WORK:

Your tattoo will be weeping much more than a fine-line tattoo, so you will need to remove your SECOND SKIN or alternate wrapping after 24 hours

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REMOVING YOUR SECOND SKIN

Find a corner & gently pull/stretch the second skin away from the rest of the stuck bandage. The stretching will help the bandage release your stuck skin. *it's normal to see a bit of the rejected ink & dead skin stuck to the wrap.

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AFTER REMOVING YOUR SECOND SKIN

1. GENTLY RINSE YOUR TATTOO & PAT DRY

Use an unscented soap (or hypoallergenic for sensitive skin) & cool or lukewarm water at the warmest.

Be sure to gently remove any residue, plasma, blood, or ink, BUT be careful not to:

  • Dislodge any scabs/flakes

  • Allow your skin/tattoo to become water-logged/soggy thru excessive wash time

*If your skin is reacting to the adhesive of the SECOND SKIN, do your best to remove any of the residues that may be irritating it.

*you can use a dab of a skin/wound safe alcohol based disinfectant break up the residue or a touch of coconut oil if alcohol fails to loosen things up. Try to avoid the tattoo itself and just dab/rub the areas where adhesive remains.

2. LIGHTLY PAT DRY

With a clean paper towel, gently pat the tattoo & surrounding area dry.

*Avoid Rubbing/friction.

3. AIR IT OUT

Allow your tattoo to breathe for a bit.

Let your skin return to natural dryness after washing before applying aftercare

4. MOISTURIZE

*Apply the first layer of aftercare/moisturizer when your skin/tattoo starts to show signs of looking thirsty

(i.e. looks dry, dusty, parched)

*Make sure your hands are freshly cleaned before applying aftercare

*limit rubbing to avoid unnecessary friction

CHOOSING A MOISTURIZER

  • Fragrance and Dye-Free: Scents are a primary cause of irritation and can cause new ink to fade.

  • Breathable Formula: Heavy ointments should be used sparingly, if at all. Lightweight, water-based lotions allow the skin to breathe while keeping it hydrated.

  • Avoid Retinol & Other Chemical Exfoliant Skin Care

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