Aftercare
The healing period for each tattoo and individual will vary in length, but overall it usually takes approximately 3 weeks. During this time, follow the guidelines below to ensure your tattoo heals safely and well.
Day of/day after:
If you have second skin applied to your tattoo, you can keep it on for 24hrs–3 days, then remove it by peeling it off. It helps to do this in the shower and by stretching the film down and parallel from the skin like a command strip. However, if you find that the second skin is irritating you at all, remove it immediately as you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to it.
If you have gladwrap over your tattoo, keep it on for 2hrs then take it off. If you find that your tattoo is still bleeding/seeping ink before you go to bed, you may apply gladwrap over the area for the night - so you don't get blood on your sheets. But do not re-apply it again the next day.
When the second skin or gladwrap is off, wash the tattoo with warm soapy water (a gentle soap) to remove any excess blood and ink then pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply a small amount of tattoo balm (I usually recommend Dr. Pickles, found at Woolworths) with clean hands. Please do not use Bepanthen. Bepanthen is an oil-based product and can clog the pores, which can affect the healing process of your fresh tattoo.
For the next 2-3 weeks:
Apply a small amount of your tattoo balm 2-3 times a day until the tattoo is fully healed. Allow the first application of cream to wear off before you apply it again, as too much cream can be bad for healing. I recommend to wash the tattoo with warm soapy water twice a day too.
After 4-5 days the tattoo will flake and get quite itchy. Do not scratch it - scratching can damage the quality of the healed tattoo. Use your tattoo balm or ointment to stop the flaking.
Keep the tattoo area lightly moist during the healing period. Do not allow the tattoo to dry out.
What NOT to do:
DO NOT touch the tattoo after handling pets and do not let your pets lick or touch the tattoo
DO NOT apply fake tan over the tattooed area
DO NOT scratch or pick at the peeling tattoo
DO NOT go swimming
DO NOT go in a sauna, jacuzzi or bath
DO NOT expose your tattoo to the sun - keep it covered if you can
DO NOT shave over the tattoo area
DO NOT do excessive exercise that promotes sweating; including gym work outs, boxing, cycling, contact sports etc.
If you experience any problems with the aftercare instructions or products recommended here, discontinue use immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo or are confused about my instructions, please email me and I'll help you out: tattsbytayy@gmail.com