Congrats on your new tattoo! Here are some written instructions and things to look out for during your healing process. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me anytime via email or Instagram DMs. I will get back to you as soon as possible!

If there are any signs of infection such as excessive redness, swelling, puss, nausea or vomiting, etc. PLEASE seek immediate medical attention.

General Guidelines: I will send you home with an adhesive wrap or a plastic wrap dressing to keep your tattoo protected while it’s fresh. This prevents bacteria from coming in contact with your skin while it’s healing, as it is an open wound. Please avoid scratching, rubbing, contact with the sun, irritants such as fragrance in lotions, and abrasive soaps. Refrain from using aquaphor or vaseline as these can trap moisture and prevent much-needed airflow to your skin. Also, do not pick or remove any scabbing before it can naturally fall off. We want your skin to stay clean and moisturized until your tattoo is smooth to the touch, which usually takes around one week. Please avoid alcohol for 48-72 hours after our session,  as it thins your blood and dehydrates you, causing issues with healing and creating a bigger risk of infection. 

Derm Shield - Adhesive Wrap

You can leave this wrap on anywhere from 1-7 days. The wrap will not fall off on its own, you will need to peel it off when you’re ready. I recommend doing this at the end of a shower as the heat and running water will make it slightly easier to peel. Do NOT rip it off like a bandaid! Adhesive wrap acts as a scab and tricks your body into healing your tattoo faster. Instead pick a low corner and keep pulling down in the same direction, preferably in the same direction as your body hair grows. 

I suggest leaving the wrap on overnight for the first night as this is when your new tattoo can leak surface level ink along with normal bodily fluids (plasma) while it is healing over. This will prevent it from staining your clothes and bedsheets. 

Very rarely the adhesive can cause irritation to the skin and create redness that you will see around the edge of the bandage. I try to avoid using this in known sensitive areas (i.e. the inner parts of arms and legs) but depending on your skin type, even some less problematic locations may become irritated. If you notice redness around the border of the bandage, simply remove it under warm water and proceed with regular aftercare. 

Once the wrap is off, keep your tattoo clean and moisturized daily. Make sure to wash your hands before touching on or around the area and to use clean towels when drying. I recommend washing and using unscented soap & lotion once in the morning and once at night. Double check the ingredients list for fragrance as these can cause your skin to get more irritated. Aquaphor may be used but note it is a much thicker consistency and therefore much less needs to be used (only a thin coat). Continue this for about a week or until the tattoo feels smooth to the touch. 

Saran Wrap - Non-Adhesive

I prefer to use this with clients who have a known adhesive allergy or who generally have sensitive skin. Saran wrap doesn’t stay on long, especially when used in certain areas of the body. The goal with a non adhesive bandage is to cover your tattoo while it is immediately fresh and until you can get home. It is fine to only have it wrapped for a few hours, just be conscious of scratching, hitting, or rubbing your new tattoo on any surfaces or clothing. You can shower with the saran wrap as long as you remove it immediately afterwards as it will hold water. Feel free to re-wrap it with a fresh piece. 

I suggest leaving the wrap on overnight for the first night as this is when your new tattoo can leak surface level ink along with normal bodily fluids (plasma) while it is healing over. This will prevent it from staining your clothes and bed sheets. 

Once the wrap is off, keep your tattoo clean and moisturized daily. Make sure to wash your hands before touching on or around the area and to use clean towels when drying. I recommend washing and using unscented soap & lotion once in the morning and once at night. Double check the ingredients list for fragrance as these can cause your skin to get more irritated. Aquaphor may be used but note it is a much thicker consistency and therefore much less needs to be used (only a thin coat). Continue this for about a week or until the tattoo feels smooth to the touch. 

Overall Cleanliness

Clean your bed sheets throughout the first week following your tattoo appointment. Be especially aware if you have pets that share a bed with you. Clean clothes every day are a must and make sure to wash anything that comes in direct contact with your wound and/or bodily fluids. Be aware that tattoo ink can and will stain fabrics and if you find a way to get it out, let me know. (>ᴗ•) !

Taking Care of Your Body

It is important to note that the tattooing process can take a toll on your nervous system. Please keep in mind when returning to your regular exercise regimen. Staying hydrated and eating regularly will help your body heal, as will adequate sleep. 

What to Avoid

☆ Alcohol & blood thinners will mess up the healing process causing ink fallout, patchy areas, and scarring

☆ Direct, prolonged sunlight (wear sleeves, etc.)

☆ Bodies of water (baths, lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc.)

☆ Showers are fine, but standing bodies of water like lakes and pools pose a greater risk of bacteria and infection. Avoid doing so for at least one week. 

☆ Picking at, scratching, or rubbing the tattoo

☆ Overly sweaty activities like hot yoga, etc. 

☆ Sweating is okay as long as you can shower or rinse and clean your tattoo as soon as reasonably possible. 

☆ Resting your tattoo on dirty surfaces (i.e. gym mats)

What is considered normal?

It’s normal for the tattoo area to be sensitive for days following the appointment. It may be slightly swollen or feeling bruised. Itchiness (similar to normal scabbing) is very common and lessens as the healing progresses. The tattoo may be sensitive to heat (hot showers) and sunshine. It’s normal for tight clothing to be uncomfortable and you might need to adjust your sleeping position based on your tattoo’s location. 

When to Seek Advice

It is very rare for a tattoo to need any sort of medical attention. If your tattoo is very red around the linework longer than the day following your appointment, feel free to send me photos so I may advise you further. 

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of infection:

☆ Excessive redness or swelling

☆ Severe pain at the tattoo site

☆ Bumps on the skin (papules) that may contain pus (pustules)

☆ Fevers or chills

☆ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

☆ Numbness or tingly sensation

If you experience an allergic reaction such as hives or excessive swelling, you should seek immediate medical care as this can lead to anaphylactic shock.