Wherever you see ink, your skin has been pierced by the needles, making the entire artwork a shallow wound, akin to a graze or sunburn. Healing a small line of script is very simple; It's just a few shallow, controlled 'cat scratches'. Follow these simple steps and your tattoo will heal beautifully. Tattoo Aftercare
However, the bigger the tattoo, the bigger the wound, and the greater the effect on your body.
Supplies:
Unscented, gentle soap
Unscented moisturizer that will not clog pores (something you would use on your face). If you purchase a tattoo-specific moisturizer, double check that it is safe for HEALING tattoos.
Clean towels or paper towel Optional:
Ice pack and clean towel
Daily Care
At the end of a tattoo, the artist will either apply a medical bandage or cover the tattoo with Vaseline and plastic film. Both are safe and effective ways to heal.
The tattoo needs to be covered for at least 3-4 hours. A medical bandage can be left in place for 2-3 days. Vaseline and plastic film should be removed within 8 hours.
After removing the bandage, rinse the tattooed area gently with hot (not scalding) water.
Follow this with cold water. This opens the pores and cleans them, then closes the pores once cleaned.
Healing takes 2-3 weeks. During this time, you’ll need to keep your tattoo clean, dry, and out of the sun.
Allow the tattoo to dry out (no ointment or moisturizer) for one day.
After the first day, apply a light, unscented moisturizer as needed.
For larger pieces, solid blacks, or colour, expect to moisturize 2-3 times per day. The goal is to maintain normal skin texture; if your tattoo feels tight, dry, or scaly, moisturize more. If your skin is still soft while moisturizing every other day, do that. When you do so, apply a small amount and rub gently into the skin.
Tattoo DON'Ts
Until your tattoo has healed, DO NOT
Submerge the tattoo in water
Expose the tattoo to chemically treated or dirty water
Expose the tattoo to direct sunlight
Pick or itch the tattoo
Leave the skin damp with water or greasy with moisturiser
Use any skincare products on the healing skin other than unscented moisturizer or tattoo safe products.
If you have questions or concerns, always contact your artist. You can reach any of the artists at Tradesmen Tattoo by email or phone:
Phone: (905) 243-2930
E-mail: tradesmentattooinc@gmail.com
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