Caring for your new tattoo is essential to ensure it heals properly and maintains its vibrant color. Below are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process, along with tips to help speed up healing and prevent complications.
Supplies Provided
You will be provided with the following supplies:
Tattoo Armor Tattoo Pad
Medical Tape
Second Skin
Antibacterial Soap
Healing Ointment
Aftercare for Color Tattoos
Day 1: Immediate Post-Tattoo Care
Protecting the Area: Once your tattoo is completed, Sage will cover the area with a Tattoo Armor Pad. This pad is designed to protect your tattoo from contamination while absorbing excess plasma. Keep this pad on for 12-24 hours.
Day 2: Cleaning and Rebandaging
Remove the Pad: Gently remove the pad and carefully clean your tattoo with cool or room-temperature water. Avoid using hot or warm water. Pour the antibacterial soap onto your hand and gently massage the tattooed area. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Dry the Area: Pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Allow the tattoo to air dry for approximately 5 minutes.
Apply Healing Ointment: Apply a thin layer of the provided healing ointment to the tattoo.
Rebandage: Cover the tattoo with the Tattoo Pad and secure it using the provided medical tape. Keep this bandage on for the next 24 hours.
Day 3: Cleaning and Applying Second Skin
Remove the Pad:Remove the bandage and repeat the cleaning process as described on Day 2. Allow the area to air dry for 5 minutes.
Apply Second Skin: Do not apply healing ointment this time. Instead, apply the Second Skin provided. You may cut it into pieces to ensure it fits snugly over the tattoo. Ensure the bandage extends 1-2 inches past the tattooed area to prevent water from seeping in. This bandage is waterproof, but avoid soaking the area in water, and be cautious when showering. If water does enter the bandage, remove it immediately and contact me.
Day 4-7: Extended Healing
Wear the Second Skin: Keep the Second Skin on for the next 5 days. It’s normal for dead plasma cells to accumulate under the bandage, which may cause an odor—this is expected. Remove the bandage exactly one week after getting your tattoo.
Aftercare Beyond One Week
Healing Continuation
Moisturize: Once the bandage is removed, your tattoo will be about 90% healed, but the skin may still be dry and sensitive. Continue using the healing ointment for the next 2-3 weeks or until your skin returns to its normal state. If you run out of ointment, Aquaphor is an acceptable alternative.
Important Aftercare Tips
Avoid These Activities:
Exercise and Sweating: Refrain from activities that cause sweating, especially in the first week, to avoid irritating the tattoo.
Direct Contact: Avoid contact with any objects that could scratch or harm the area.
Water Exposure: No bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, or beach activities for at least one week.
Suggestions for Healing:
Swelling: If you experience swelling, especially with leg tattoos, consider taking ibuprofen and elevating your legs to reduce swelling.
Contact for Issues: If any issues arise or you are unsure about any step in the process, contact me immediately before the problem worsens. I’m here to provide guidance and ensure your tattoo heals perfectly.
Long-Term Tattoo Care
Sun Protection: Once healed, always apply sunscreen with a high SPF to your tattoo before sun exposure to prevent fading.
Moisturize Regularly: Keep your tattoo moisturized to maintain its color and vibrancy.
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
for Black and Grey Tattoos
Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring your black and grey tattoo heals beautifully and maintains its sharp details. Follow these steps to take care of your new tattoo and keep it looking its best.
Supplies Provided
You will be provided with the following supplies:
Tattoo Armor Tattoo Pad
Medical Tape
Second Skin
Antibacterial Soap
Healing Ointment
Aftercare for Black and Grey Tattoos
Day 1: Immediate Post-Tattoo Care
Protecting the Area: Once your tattoo is completed, Sage will cover the area with a Tattoo Armor Pad. This pad is designed to protect your tattoo from contamination while absorbing excess plasma. Keep this pad on for 12-24 hours.
Day 2: Cleaning and Applying Second Skin
Remove the Pad: Gently remove the pad and carefully clean your tattoo with cool or room-temperature water. Avoid using hot or warm water. Pour the antibacterial soap onto your hand and gently massage the tattooed area. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Dry the Area: Pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Allow the tattoo to air dry for approximately 5 minutes.
Apply Healing Ointment: Apply a thin layer of the provided healing ointment to the tattoo.
Apply Second Skin: Cover the tattoo with the Second Skin provided, ensuring it extends 1-2 inches past the tattooed area to prevent water from seeping in. You may cut the Second Skin into smaller pieces to fit the tattoo more snugly. This bandage is waterproof, but avoid soaking the area in water, and be cautious when showering. If water does enter the bandage, remove it immediately and contact me.
Day 3-7: Extended Healing
Wear the Second Skin: Keep the Second Skin on for the next 5 days. It’s normal for dead plasma cells to accumulate under the bandage, which may cause an odor—this is expected. Remove the bandage exactly one week after getting your tattoo.
Aftercare Beyond One Week
Healing Continuation
Moisturize: Once the bandage is removed, your tattoo will be about 90% healed, but the skin may still be dry and sensitive. Continue using the healing ointment for the next 2-3 weeks or until your skin returns to its normal state. If you run out of ointment, Aquaphor is an acceptable alternative.
Important Aftercare Tips
Avoid These Activities:
Exercise and Sweating: Refrain from activities that cause sweating, especially in the first week, to avoid irritating the tattoo.
Direct Contact: Avoid contact with any objects that could scratch or harm the area.
Water Exposure: No bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, or beach activities for at least one week.
Suggestions for Healing:
Swelling: If you experience swelling, especially with leg tattoos, consider taking ibuprofen and elevating your legs to reduce swelling.
Contact for Issues: If any issues arise or you are unsure about any step in the process, contact me immediately before the problem worsens. I’m here to provide guidance and ensure your tattoo heals perfectly.
Long-Term Tattoo Care
Sun Protection: Once healed, always apply sunscreen with a high SPF to your tattoo before sun exposure to prevent fading.
Moisturize Regularly: Keep your tattoo moisturized to maintain its color and vibrancy.
