Tattoo Care
TATTOO CARE
Tattoo Week Prep
GET EXCITED! It’s almost tattoo day! Be careful not to get sunburn, razor burn, scrapes, or scratches in the area you expect to get tattooed. Take care of your body by hydrating your skin with lotion, eating a healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water.
Tattoo Day
We all have daily rituals: coffee, yoga, news, kids to school etc, and we all develop our own methods around how we earn tattoos. Some things that may help are wearing comfortable clothes that will not be in the way of the location of your tattoo. Fuck it bring those slippers and pajama pants.
Water. You need it.
Snacks. You want them.
Emotional support human (Sorry. No dogs. Health Department Rules.)
Excitement and openness to the process.
Your artist will guide you through the rest. But don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have.
We truly believe that when you earn and begin healing your tattoo intentionally and thoughtfully, there is a spiritual and physical change to your being. You can become a better version of yourself. That’s correct folks…that astronaut kitty tattoo can make you a better person.
Tattoo Aftercare
Day 1-3: Typically Tegaderm or similar second skin is applied. You may leave this on for 2-3 Days and skip to “Day 4”. If bandage or plastic wrap was applied you will want to leave this wrap on until you are able to shower and wash your tattoo with fragrance free soap and water with just your fingertips. Do not use washcloths or sponges. After showering, pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Allow the tattoo to air dry for 10-15 minutes before applying new plastic wrap. Do NOT apply ointment or lotion to tattoo. Ensure that the entire tattoo is covered with plastic wrap. You may sleep with your tattoo covered but you may get some weeping from the wound. Don’t use the nice sheets.
Remove the plastic wrap when you wake up. Wash your tattoo with fragrance free soap and water with just your fingertips. Rinse well, then pat dry with a clean paper towel. Allow your tattoo to air dry for 10-15 minutes before applying new plastic wrap. Do NOT apply ointment or lotion to tattoo at this point. Clean and rewrap your tattoo 2-3 times daily.
Day 4 and on: Stop wrapping your tattoo. At four to seven days into the healing period, the skin around and on the tattoo will start to peel like a sunburn.
Clean your tattoo with soap and water, pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a gentle lotion that your skin will absorb. Repeat this process 2-5 times daily until fully healed. Do not pick the skin or scratch as it will damage the tattoo.
Day 7- 10: The skin should have peeled away and left shiny, wrinkly new skin. During the full 2 week healing period, avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, and lake or ocean water. They harbor bacteria that can cause an infection. Do not soak your tattoo and avoid exposure to running water for longer than 5-10 minutes
Day 14 and on: The tattoo should look like it’s healed, though it wil take a full 45 days for the skin to completely regenerate itself. Continue to lotion the skin 3-5 times daily until the new skin is completely regenerated. For the best appearance of any tattoo, lotion daily. If you have any questions during healing please stop into the studio or call us: 518-810-9096 The Factory.
Continuing to use lotion and sunscreen will keep your tattoo looking fresh and clean for many years to come