What To Wear-

Clothing choices for getting your tattoo and during healing are important. For your appointment wear clean comfortable clothing that makes the area you're getting tattooed accessible. 

After your appointment something loose fitting that also gives you a bit of coverage is best. You do NOT want your new tattoo to get rubbed or pulled on by tight fitting clothing, so pick something that will protect your newly tattooed skin, be comfortable in, and still allow you to navigate the world.

Also don't wear your favorite outfits because its possible in the first few days to have some spots of fluid leak from the bandage or have the fabric get stuck to your clothing. If this happens use warm water to gentle release and remove the fabric from your skin.

It is a big open wound and you must be very gentle with that area and your body because your skin will need some time to properly heal. 

Bandages

Annie will wrap up your tattoo in the studio for you to go home in. She uses two types of bandages based on the placement of the tattoo and client needs. More on bandages in the aftercare instructions.

• Dri-lock pad- is a breathable bandage applied to the tattooed area to absorb the extra fluids your body creates during the first phase of healing.

• Second Skin and Saniderm - is a medical-grade, transparent, adhesive barrier that protects new tattoos while they are healing. It is latex-free, waterproof, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It is manufactured under quality-controlled conditions that have been CE-marked and FDA-registered.

Tattoo Healing Products-

You will need to purchase products to assist your tattoo healing process. Annie is happy to advise on which products will work best for you.

“Traditional” Healing Products-

• Dr. Bronners, unscented and diluted- 1/4 soap 3/4 water.

• Aquaphor

• A & D ointment

• Lubidrem unscented lotion

• High quality sunscreen

“New” Healing Products-

• VEGAN- Wild Rose Herbs- Ink Balm & Ink Spray. Wild Rose Herbs *Link*

• Hustle Butter- Deluxe Tattoo Aftercare Tattoo Balm, Hustle Butter- Hustle Bubbles Green Soap Replacement Tattoo Wash and Tattoo Cleanser.

• INK-EEZE Tattoo Enthusiast Aftercare Bundle Kit: Includes Foam Soap + Ointment + Lotion, Ink Lock Technology

• Mad Rabbit Repair - Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel

• Second Skin and Saniderm

• Tattoo specific sunscreen

Step by step, Tattoo Aftercare Instructions-

Annie will wrap up your tattoo in the studio, she will also give you verbal and written tattoo aftercare instructions for the next steps. To ensure your health and the longevity of your tattoo, diligently follow these after care procedures. Taking proper steps to care for your tattoo is now a part of your life as your new tattoo is an extension of you.

• Avoid any direct sunlight on the tattoo for two weeks. Note that direct sunlight is never advised on tattoos for the entire life of the tattoo, the more sun, the more it fades as the pigment spreads. Long lasting crisp, bright tattoos are well hydrated and protected. When you will be exposing your skin to sunlight always use a good tattoo sunscreen to help minimize sun damage.

• Do not soak and/or submerge your new tattoo in ANY body of liquid for at least one month. Regular showering for hygiene is of course recommended, but do not soak or scrub your new tattoo.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and liquid soap prior to moisturizing or handling your tattoo.

Day 1 after getting tattooed:

In the first 24 hours expect some swelling and redness to persist. There may be buildup of liquid (a combo of ink, blood, and plasma) under the bandage and may weep slightly, this is totally normal and expected. This fluid will stain your clothes and bedding, so be aware and don't use your favorites.

Removing the bandage-

Dri-loc pads attached with medical tape will need to be removed in the first 24 hours, gently peal away bandage once the medical tape is removed. Immediately gently rinse with warm water and wash with clean hands and mild liquid soap. With a clean new towel, pat dry the tattoo area, let your tattoo air dry and breathe for 20 to 25 minutes. Once your skin is dry, you should apply a very small amount of tattoo cream/balm. Keep this layer exceptionally thin to let it absorb and allow plenty of ventilation for the tattoo area.

Second Skin or Sandierm if sealed to the skin can be left on for 3 or 6 days. However in the first 24 hours depending on the wrap location and how it is settling onto your skin, you may wish to remove it and reapply a new layer. Second Skin/Saniderm breathable film bandages are easier to remove in the shower with warm water and mild liquid soap to slowly loosen the adhesive. Find an edge and gently peel back the bandage against your skin, do not pull away from your body as the film will stretch. Immediately gently rinse with warm water and wash with clean hands, and mild liquid soap. With a clean new towel pat dry the tattoo area. Let your tattoo air dry and breathe for 20 to 25 minutes.

• Prepare the Second Skin/Saniderm film by cutting to desired length and shape, using multiple pieces- overlap at least one inch if needed, also be sure to account for an extra inch on each side of the tattoo to cover dry un-tattooed skin.

• “Crack” the wave by bending the piece in half at the blue stripe.

• Expose the sticky side by peeling off the backing printed text.

• Smooth the film over the tattoo, gently pushing out any air bubbles.

• Remove supportive clear backing by peeling from the blue “wave” and smoothing over skin.

You may experience some redness around the tattoo where Second Skin/Saniderm was applied to the un-tattooed skin. This is also completely normal and may occur with any type of medical adhesive. If you do develop any adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately.

After the 3-6 days of your new tattoo being wrapped in Second Skin/Saniderm, the film can be completely removed and you can begin the next steps for healing your new tattoo.

Day 2 and 3 dry healing- You will see the color of your tattoo begin to dull or loose its gloss as the skin recovers. You may also see scabs forming around and over the area of tattooed skin, do not fret- your body is healing. Cleanliness is essential, washing in the morning and evenings is best while being sure to pat and air the tattoo as described. If the tattoo isn’t dried properly, it can cause the water to trap between the layer of the skin and the lotion you apply. This leads to gooey scabs and can ruin the beauty of your tattoo. Apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment to your dry tattoo 2, to 4 times a day. Note that excessive usage of cream can cause the scab to become thick and suffocate the wound. Using the correct amount for your sized tattoo will ensure you do not clog your pores or create an overly moist area. Don't touch any scabs unless you absolutely need to. DO NOT PICK AT OR SCRATCH YOUR NEW TATTOO!

Day 4 – Day 6 healing your new tattoo-

You are done wearing SecondSkin/Saniderm and no more bandaging is needed. As the redness fades and the swelling returns to normal. Likely the tattooed area has or will form a scab or light crust at this point. Do not pick your scab as it can pull color out, expose the tattoo to infection, and could result in permanent scars. Gently apply tattoo ointment once or twice a day to assist the recovery process.

Day 7 – Day 14 healing your new tattoo-

While you continue your healing regimen, the scab will become hard and begin to peel by itself. Do not touch the scab! This can lead to exfoliation of the inked area. While the skin may feel itchy you must resist scratching or picking at it, however you may occasionally lightly 'pat' it to relieve the itch. Note that proper moisturizing (not too much) will also relieve the itching. It is totally safe and important to continue to apply tattoo aftercare products during this time, just be extremely gentle.

Day 15 – Day 30 healing your new tattoo-

Now that you have reached the point where your new tattoo is mostly recovered from the outside remember the under layers of your skin still needs time to recover. Continue to apply tattoo ointment and clean with your trusted aftercare products to ensure that your skin condition will return to normal. By the 14th day of healing your new tattoo almost all the flakes will have disappeared, keep your freshly tattooed skin lightly moisturized as it can easily become dry during this phase. In the second and third week as you see the outer layer of your skin recover the colors of your tattoo will become vivid and bright again. It is absolutely critical to keep your new tattoo out of any situation where its being soaked or exposed to sun.