aftercare

Because tattoo healing is different from every person and also place to place around the world, many tattoo artists have different practices for their aftercare instructions. My aftercare method is influenced from my own healing experience and also what has commonly worked best by other tattoo artists. If you have found an aftercare routine that works best with your skin, feel free to stick to that method.

Hypafix (Clear adhesive bandage)

1. Keep the bandage on for 24 hrs. After 24hrs, remove the bandage in a warm shower to help loosen it
2. Let the warm water indirectly flow down your tattoo. With clean hands, peel slowly from a corner
3. Use unscented soap (such as Dove sensitive skin, do not use bar soap) to wash every spot of excess blood, ink and other residue. If you have a tattoo in a hard to reach area, get someone to help out with clean hands. Once out of the shower, Use a clean towel to pat the tattoo dry
4. Start to use unscented lotion (Ex. Lubriderm) after 1-3 days. Use only a very thin layer. It’s very important that you use the thinnest layer of ointment, putting on too much may cause extra scabbing or having the scabs come off prematurely. 
5. Continue to wash the tattoo everyday. 
6. Around the 3-5th day, the tattoo will begin to peel. Wash the tattoo every time you shower.
7. For the next two weeks, continue to wash and keep the tattoo moisturized. Some scabs may take more time to come off than others, let it fall off naturally. Most of the tattoo will be healed in two weeks, although it takes up to 4 weeks for the tattoo to be fully healed.

Sensi-wrap (Black cloth wrap)

1. Keep the wrap on for 6-12 hrs
2. After 6-12 hrs, with clean hands remove the wrap and begin to wash your tattoo with warm water
3. Use unscented soap (such as Dove sensitive skin, do not use bar soap) to wash every spot of excess blood, ink and other residue. If you have a tattoo in a hard to reach area, get a friend to help out with clean hands. Use a clean towel to pat the tattoo dry
4. After 1-3 days, use a very thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment on the fresh tattoo (Ex. Lubriderm, Aquaphor). It’s very important that you use the thinnest layer of ointment, putting on too much may cause extra scabbing or having the scabs come off prematurely. 
5. Wash the tattoo everyday for 3-5 days, once or twice a day. (In the morning and at night, or in the afternoon) and continue to lightly use the lotion or ointment.
6. Around the 3-5th day, the tattoo will begin to peel. Wash the tattoo every time you shower and continue to use the lotion.
7. For the next two weeks, continue to wash and keep the tattoo moisturized. Some scabs may take more time to come off than others, let it fall off naturally. Most of the tattoo will be healed in two weeks, although it takes up to 4 weeks for the tattoo to be fully healed. 

While the tattoo is healing, please avoid:

• Using vaseline or polysporin on the fresh tattoo
• Scratching and picking at the tattoo’s scabs
• Wearing tight clothing that will rub against the tattoo
• Using loofah scrubs to wash the tattoo, use clean fingers instead
• Having your fresh tattoo exposed to the sun for sun damage. Once the tattoo is healed, please use sunscreen if you are going to have prolonged exposure.
• Taking baths, swimming or completely submerging it in water
• Going to the gym or doing any heavy-sweating work
• Having your pets scratch or jump up on the tattoo
• Sleeping on your tattoo 

If you have any questions about the healing process, please contact me.