AFTERCARE

BEFORE:
Please be sure to eat something before your appointment.

You are more than welcome to bring a drink and snacks.

Headphones are recommended and serve as a great distraction while getting tattooed.

Please wear appropriate clothing. Tattoo ink will stain clothes.

AFTER:

You may remove the bandage after 4 to 6 hours or keep it on overnight.

Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning and or ever touching your new tattoo.

After the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Dial Antibacterial Handsoap or Softsoap are recommended. Clean the area well with just your fingertips. Do not be alarmed as there may be excess ink, blood, and ointment present. We want the area to be as clean as possible. Do not use washcloths, loofahs or bath sponges on a fresh tattoo.

Make sure to rinse well and pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel.

Wash the tattoo one to two times daily. Do not overwash. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, swimming pools, lakes, salt water, hot tubs and long baths.

I have found that dry healing is a fail safe way to heal a tattoo. I fully recommend letting your body heal itself. Everyone heals at a different rate. Although the tattoo can look healed on the surface in 1-2 weeks, this doesn’t mean it's done healing underneath the first layer of your skin. A tattoo will be fully healed in about a month.

After 2-3 days the tattoo will become tight, itchy, dry and flaky. If you feel the need to, you can use a light thin layer of any white unscented hand lotion such as Lubiderm, Eucerin or Cetaphil. Using a small amount rub it in until it is fully absorbed in the skin. If a scab forms it will be the color of the ink(s) that are used, do not pick or scratch as they will fall off naturally.

You may resume your normal work out routine, but if at any time your activity is making your tattoo hurt I do not recommend continuing. Avoid wearing any tight clothing that may press or cut against the area such as a tight sports bra or strap.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. stephanietattoos@gmail.com