Traditional Aftercare
Pursan Soap, Tattoo Goo moisturiser, After Inked moisturiser.
Suggested products you can use for your aftercare.
AFTER 2-4 HOURS
You will need a liquid, medical grade, antimicrobial soap to clean your tattoo. I sell Pursan soap for $10 + HST, I personally use this for healing my tattoos and would recommend it. You will also need to buy a liquid water based unscented lotion for later in the healing process, you can find TattooGoo at most Shoppers Drug Mart.
Make sure that you are in a location which is clean and has access to warm running water. Do not remove your plastic wrap if you are not in a clean space (like at the gym, in a gas station bathroom, in a bar- idk what you guys are up to). Even if that means leaving the original plastic on for up to 6 hours, just ask me if you aren’t sure.
Wash your hands with liquid antimicrobial soap.
Remove the wrapping of your tattoo, dispose of in the green bin (the plastic is biodegradable, the stretchy tape is not). Do not rewrap or leave the wrap on for longer, unless specifically directed to by me.
Lather the soap in your hands, then use that lather to pat onto the tattoo in light motions. This can be done in the shower if desired. Wash the tattoo and surrounding area thoroughly with your soap and lukewarm water. You should only ever touch your new tattoo after washing your hands while it is healing, avoid touching it as much as possible. Ensure you get all the plasma, blood etc off of your tattoo, but do not scrub hard.
Pat dry with a clean dry paper towel, or allow to air dry. Do not use a bath towel as they harbour bacteria and are rough against the skin.
Leave the tattoo to air out after this routine. Do not rewrap. If you are going to bed, wear loose dark, breathable clothing; ideally with clean sheets. Tattoo ink will permanently stain most fabrics for the first few days of healing.
FOR 2 TO 3 WEEKS
Follow the washing routine above twice a day for the first 2 days after your tattoo. You can wash your tattoo as many as 3 times in a day if you need to (for example, after the gym). Avoid tight or fluffy clothing over the tattoo area during the healing time.
On the evening of the 2nd day of your tattoo, dry off your tattoo after washing, wait 5 mins, then apply your aftercare lotion. You must use a water based, unscented liquid lotion in a thin layer. Examples include Tattoo Go, Lubriderm, Vaseline unscented lotion (Not petroleum).
Moisturise after washing, or as needed (maximum 4 times a day) until the tattoo is healed (usually 15-30 days). Always wash your hands before touching your fresh tattoo until it’s healed. You should only moisturise in a very thin layer, the tattoo will look shiny but not totally saturated in lotion.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Your tattoo is an open wound! You are responsible for taking care of it once you leave the shop. Do not let other people, or pets, touch your new tattoo.
Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo. Typically tattoos become itchy while healing, apply your moisturizer and try to ignore it. If you pick at your tattoo, you will damage your healing new layer of skin, potentially pulling out pigment and leading to permanently damaging your tattoo.
Keep it clean and dry as much as possible- Take care to avoid baths (soaking will disrupt scabs), super hot showers, saunas etc. Be aware of your tattoo during your everyday activities, including exercising, at work and general exposure to bright sunlight. Submerging your tattoo in water is dangerous and has a high risk of infection- this includes swimming & plunges, so avoid for 3 weeks or until your tattoo is totally healed. If you’re not sure if it’s good to go, email me a photo and I can advise.
Be careful not to let your pets touch your tattoo before it’s healed, if you notice any fur etc on your tattoo, wash it with your soap.
Avoid strenuous exercise over the area; excessive sweating isn’t a good idea for a fresh tattoo; then once it’s scabbing you don’t want to be flexing that area and cracking the skin.
ONCE YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED
Wear a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen on your tattoo; it will protect your skin; keep the lines crisp and the colour vibrant.
Don’t use exfoliants or any harsh skin products (such as anti acne products, retinoids etc) or have the area of your tattoo waxed for at least 5 weeks. Continue to use your moisturiser after your tattoo is healed to keep it looking fresh, but you can use any lotion of your choice once it’s healed.
If you have another session coming up (Like if we are working on a sleeve), I highly recommend to continue to use your exfoliating, soap & moisturising routine even if the tattoo is healed. This keeps the area hydrated, helps prevent irritation from hair growing back in and genuinely makes the tattoo process easier, and faster, the next time you come in.
Please send me healed photos!! I’d love to see your tattoo all healed up. My main concern is that you are happy with your tattoo! If you need a touch up please reach out to me within 90 days and I can book you in for a complimentary touch up. Click here for contact info.