TATTOO AFTERCARE
*Disclaimer, please listen to your artist directly. Aftercare can vary depending on the tattoo & application. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your artist or the shop directly.*
Second Skin Bandage
(Hypafix,/Tegaderm/Saniderm)
For tattoos with heavy saturation, or client's on the "weepier" side some artists may recommend applying the Second Skin bandage the following day. We will send you home with a temporary bandage & Second Skin to apply yourself. Or have you come in the following day for us to apply it.
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Wear bandage for 2-7 days (As directed by your artist.)
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Shower as normal, the bandage can get wet, Do not submerge.
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Leave it the fuck alone.
How to Remove Bandage
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Remove in shower with warm water to loosen adhesive.
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Remember STRETCH the film away from one corner, so it gently lifts away, don't peel/rip away like a bandaid! You want to remove it the same way you would remove a command strip from the wall.
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Once film is removed, use clean hands to lather an unscented soap on & around the tattoo. Gently but firmly enough to get rid of all the blood and gunk that has collected & cleanse the area of any bacteria
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After cleaning, hit it with a burst of cold water to close the pores & pat dry with a clean towel.
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Apply a pea sized amount of an unscented/water based lotion to the tattoo, if needed!
*Disclaimers: It is normal for the bandage to fill up with fluid! Your body will leak blood & lymphatic fluid. However if the bandage has an excess amount of fluid & you are concerned; Contact your artist directly, they can let you know what's normal or if the bandage should be removed. If you have any skin reactions to the bandage, remove and contact your artist.
Temporary bandage
(Dri-Loc, Medical Pad)
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Leave bandage on for 12-24 hours, we recommend sleeping with the bandage on. Then removing and cleaning the area in the morning.
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Use clean hands to lather an unscented soap on & around the tattoo. Gently but firmly enough to get rid of all the blood and gunk that has collected & cleanse the area of any bacteria
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Pat dry with a clean towel & a pea sized amount of an unscented water based lotion to the tattoo.
What to avoid
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Avoid swimming/submerging in any water, as well as saunas for 3-4 weeks.
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Keep pets away from your tattoo until fully healed.
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Don't pick or scratch your tattoo.
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Avoid scented and petroleum based soaps & lotions until healed.
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Avoid tanning and direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks, even once fully healed tanning & sun exposure can affect your tattoo. Make sure to use sunscreen once healed.