After Care
After care is an important step in the tattooing process that will help assure your tattoo will heal well and hold up as best as possible as it ages. Every artist will have their own recommendations for after care so mine may be different than what you’ve heard before. Whether it’s your first tattoo, first handpoke, or you would just like a refresher, I’ve listed my after care instructions to reference below.
Unless we decide otherwise, you will leave your tattoo appointment with a clear adhesive bandage commonly known as second skin or saniderm. This is a medical grade adhesive bandage that is waterproof and breathable and prevents exposure to bacteria and dirt. The specific brand I use is called called Derm Shield by Recovery, which is latex-free.
Day 1-3
I recommend leaving the bandage on for 1-3 days. You can shower with the bandage on but try to avoid direct hot water. Be sure to avoid intense exercise, compressive clothing, and submerging in water. While the bandage is waterproof and breathable, it can also trap in sweat and moisture which can cause an infection. The bandage may start to peel off early in some cases or you are welcome to remove your bandage earlier on your own discretion.
Day 4
To remove the bandage it is easiest to do under running water, usually in the shower. Start at one corner of the bandage and gently peel away from the skin, similar to removing a command strip. Do not rip the bandage off quickly as it will cause unnecessary irritation and damage to the skin.
Gently wash you your tattoo with warm water and unscented soap (ex. Dial Gold) and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Follow up with a thin layer of unscented moisturizer (ex. Cerave, Cetaphil, Aquaphor). You do not need a lot, just enough to keep the tattoo from drying out.
Day 5-14+
Continue to wash and moisturize your tattoo twice a day until fully healed. Your tattoo may feel itchy or look a little dry. This is totally normal, but try not to scratch or irritate your tattoo or the skin around it. Handpokes tend to feel healed quicker as they are often less traumatic to the skin so it may feel healed around the 2 week mark. Your tattoo will be fully healed around 2-4 weeks, which you will know when your skin is no longer dry, scabbing, or sensitive.
Avoid drinking, swimming, intense exercise, direct sun exposure, and compressive clothing or pressure while your tattoo is healing. It is extremely important to let your tattoo fully heal correctly so that it will look good for years to come. Once healed, be sure to always apply SPF to any tattooed areas that will experience direct sun exposure and always moisturize your skin to keep your tattoos looking their best!
Touch Ups
Touch ups are free within the first year of your tattoo. You’re welcome to reach out at any time to schedule a touch up, you don’t need to wait for my books to open or fill out the booking form. You should allow your tattoo to fully heal and settle in about 1-3 months before scheduling a touch up.
If you feel like you may need a touch up appointment, please email me with “Touch up” in the subject line and attach current photos of your tattoo.
Certain tattoos may be prone to needing a touch up, such as color blocking, light shading, and tougher skin areas like hands, knees, and feet. Hand and finger tattoos will almost always need at least one or two touch up sessions. This is due to the skin here being more delicate and thinner, while also experiencing more wear and abrasion. I prefer to go lighter and possibly need to touch up over going too deep and causing the tattoo to blow out. I’m always learning and appreciate your patience!
If you have any questions or concerns about anything at all please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Email me at slxpxke@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.