tattoo after care

After your tattoo appointment is over, these are our recommended after care instructions:

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• If your artist used a clear adhesive bandage ('Hypafix', 'Tegaderm', etc.): Leave the bandage on for 7 days. While the bandage is on, you may shower but do not submerge in water for longer periods. Avoid excessive sweating as well, as this may cause the bandage to come off prematurely.

• If you are open-healing the tattoo: Leave the bandage on for 12-24 hours.

• When you are ready to remove the bandage: With clean hands, remove bandage slowly in the shower and wash off ALL traces of blood, ink, and ointment using a gentle, non-scented soap and lukewarm water. An improper first wash may create heavy scabbing and poor healing. The tattoo should not be sticky or slimy after the wash. 

• Apply water-based, unscented moisturiser 3-4 times a day until fully healed (for about 3 weeks). If you are open-healing, start using moisturizer only once your tattoo begins to feel tight/dry, usually around 2-3 days after your appointment (H2Ocean, Lubriderm, Cerave, and Aveeno are good options).

•  While healing, the tattoo may become itchy but do not scratch it as this can cause raised lines, increase itchiness, and poor healing. 

• Do not submerge in water for long periods (i.e. avoid pools, hot tubs, baths) for at least 2 weeks to avoid infection and poor healing.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure for 4 weeks after your appointment. After this period, wearing sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) is always recommended to ensure the tattoo will not prematurely fade.
  
  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach to your artist or the shop, and we will be happy to assist you further!