Aftercare

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Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is essential to ensure it heals well and maintains its vibrant look. Please follow these steps carefully to promote a healthy healing process:

Tattoos typically take 3-4 weeks to fully heal, though larger pieces may take longer. Be patient and follow the instructions for the best result. Rest your body and do not use the tattooed area excessively. Tattoos will stress while healing if used too much. Just keep it clean, leave it alone. Make sure your areas at home are clean. Wash your bathtub before your appointment, wash your bedding, keep animals away from fresh tattoos.

1. Leave the Bandage On for 3-7 days.
   
   This medical grade, breathable bandage protects the tattoo from bacteria. Avoid removing the bandage too early when possible. It’s best to leave it on, but if it comes off – that is okay too. The most important days are the first couple days. Without a bandage, your tattoo is fully exposed and you just need to be more diligent with aftercare so it doesn't get dirty or exposed to unwanted irritants.
   
   Listen to your body and know when to take it off. If the bandage is falling off, leaking profusely, or the bandage becomes compromised in any way- take it off. If you are unsure, reach out to me. If you see redness around the edge of the bandage or if you are having a reaction, take it off immediately. You can always message me if you have questions. Send me a photo.
   
2. Wash Your Hands
   
   Before touching your tattoo, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection.
   
3. Gently Wash the Tattoo
   
   After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo gently with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Do not scrub. I suggest using Cetaphil for the soap. It works the best for me, but after care is personal to your own body. Use what you normally don't react to as long as its gentle and scent free.
   Use clean soap that isn't used publicly in your house. (I don't like bar soap because it’s exposed to bacteria- you can “prep” your bar soap by cutting it into small portions and packaging each individually for use.) Keep your tattoo cleaning supplies separate and clean. I like to keep a “tattoo kit” in a Ziplock bag, separate from every day use. Keep your own supply of clean paper towel in another ziplock so you know it's always going to be clean.
   
4. Apply a Thin Layer of lotion, when needed.
   
   Once your bandage has come off and once you have cleaned it thoroughly, and has been dried with paper towel – I suggest letting it settle for up to one day. I do not suggest applying lotion the moment you take off your bandage. Let it breathe. This is personal preference when it comes to after care because everyone has different types of skin, especially at different times of the year. When your tattoo starts feeling dry and tight, apply a very small portion of unscented lotion. Use a paper towel and lightly pat the access amount of lotion off. If you overuse lotion, your tattoo will get little red irritation bumps on it. I would suggest using it 1-2 times day.  Only apply lotion on a clean, dry tattoo with clean hands. Use your own lotion and keep it all clean!
   
5. Avoid Soaking the Tattoo
   
   Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or long baths for at least 2 weeks. Quick showers are fine, but don’t let your tattoo soak. Make sure your bathtub is always clean.
   
6. Do Not Pick or Scratch
   
   Your tattoo can potentially scab, it may peel and it will get itchy when it’s healing. Avoid picking at the scabs or scratching the area, as this can damage the tattoo and delay healing.
   
7. Wear loose, non-restrictive, clean clothing
   Avoid tight, restrictive clothing which will not rub or cause friction on your fresh tattoo. Watch for bra straps and materials that are rough or too fluffy, that could leave fibres.
   
8. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
   
   Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and do not apply sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed (about 3-4 weeks). After healing, always apply sunscreen to protect it from fading.
   
9. Watch for Signs of Infection
   
   If you notice excessive redness, swelling, pus, or if the tattoo feels hot to the touch, message me immediately and consult a medical professional.
   
   When tattoos become irritated, the actions we take next will directly depict the outcome. If you apply the wrong ointment, lotion, creams, or cleaning it with something weird, it can cause secondary issues that really make it hard to fix irritation because now it could be multiple issues. It’s best to keep it clean, dry and assess what could have irritated it to stop the irritation. Over “babying” a tattoo will cause issues as well. Leave your tattoo alone and keep it clean. Tattoos get stressed out with too much aftercare. Aftercare is a constant learning experience. I am here to help you at all times. Please message me before doing anything outside of this aftercare sheet. Just breathe and let your body do what it’s supposed to do.

If you have any questions or concerns about the healing process, feel free to contact me at nicole@trashgrandma.com, or on facebook.

Take care, and enjoy your new tattoo!

Trash Grandma <3