AFTERCARE
ASSORBENT PAD (will most luckily use this method for heavy tattoos)
These pads are used to soak up all the blood/plasma and excess ink, commonly used in blackwork/realism/ large scales tattoos. Leave the first pad on for 3/4 h then gently remove the pad or if stuck close to the skin get it wet in then shower and it will gently slide down the skin (very important not just remove the pad if attached to the skin as you could damage the tattoo) Wash the tattoo with hot water and antibacterial mild fragrance free soap, and sit under the medium-hot water for 2 minutes as the water will help tighten and close your skin pores make sure to clean the tattoo properly of any plasma sticky fluid on the top of it , just been gently to avoid to scratch the tattoo , if you have clean gloves to wash the tattoo would be ideal . Allow to air dry or dry with a clean fresh towel, once dry leave the tattoo to breath for about one hour being careful to don't let anything touch it (be very careful if you have a pet )then re-apply a fresh pad how your artist instructed. Do not use cream during this process. Do this 2-3 times a day for 2-4 days as your artist recommends ( the amount of days depends if the tattoo is still looking fresh and leaving discharge on the pad or it's dry so won't need the pad anymore ). Around day 3-4 your tattoo will be very dry and your tattoo will start to peel, you can now start using moisturiser such as cocoa butter lotion 1-2 times per day. Leave the flakes alone and let them fall off naturally.
If you get any scabs, it is important to allow these to fully dry out. Over moisturising scabs can result in them falling off too soon and potentially losing pigment, let them dry and fall off naturally.
DON'T submerge the tattoo for an extended amount of time (no bath or swimming).
DON'T moisturise the tattoo for the first couple of days as it's still fresh.
DON'T remove any scabs or pick at the tattoo, if the tattoo is very itchy do no scratch it as it will damage it.
DON'T use any alcohol, peroxide, cortisone or any lotion not previously recommend by your tattoo artist
HAND -FINGER AFTERCARE
This aftercare is a little harder then others as we won't be able to keep them wrap so it's very important to use your hand less possible and avoid to touch anything dirty , very important is to don't soak the tattoo (avoid washing dishes for the first week of heaviest and similar activities ).
Remove glove when you get home from the tattoo shop and wash the tattoo with hot water and antibacterial mild fragrance free soap, and sit under the medium-hot water for 2 minutes as the water will help tighten and close your skin pores make sure to clean the tattoo properly of any plasma sticky fluid on the top of it , just been gently to avoid to scratch the tattoo , please make sure your hand are clean.
Do this 2-3 times a day for 2-4 days.
Just let hair dry the tattoo and make sure to don’t touch anything dirty or use he hand too much for the first 72 h , when sleeping lay a clean towel on the bedsheet or use clean sheets and keep your hand flat on top of it at night. Around day 3-4 your tattoo will be very dry and your tattoo will start to peel, you can now start using moisturiser such as cocoa butter lotion 1-2 times per day.
If swollen for the first couple of days it’s completely fine just use ibuprofen to help with the swelling and don’t use ice on it.
Scabbing is completely normal especially on those areas and they will take a bit to come off , very important to don't use too much cream on them to don't keep them wet and don't pick the scabs.
SECOND SKIN
Leave second skin on for 2/4 days. It is normal to see some fluid build up in the bandage but if the bandage begins to leak you must remove it.
When removing, gently peel the second skin under warm running water.
Then gently wash your tattoo with warm (but not too hot) water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
After you make sure the tattoo is clean of all the blood and excess ink, rinse and pat dry with a disposable paper towel or let it air dry.
Use a fragrance-free lotion (natural cocoa butter or a product specified for tattoo aftercare) 2 times a day and rub lotion till is fully absorbed into the skin.
CLINGFILM BANDAGE
Leave the bandage on for 2 to 3 hours.
Before removing the bandage or touching the new tattoo make sure to wash your hands well with antibacterial soap.
After you remove the clingfilm bandage wash your tattoo with warm (but not too hot) water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
After you make sure the tattoo is clean of all the blood and excess of ink rinse and pat dry with a disposable paper towel or let it air dry.
Make sure the tattoo is clean and dry wrap it with cling film for the night, clean again in the morning (per the above instructions) and wrap it again if you are going out or use baggy cotton clothing. Don't keep the tattoo wrapped more than the first two days.
Wash the tattoo twice a day till is completely healed.
After few days, the tattoo will become flaky and dry so you can use a fragrance-free lotion (natural cocoa butter or a specify tattoo aftercare) 2 times a day and rub the lotion until it is fully absorbed into the skin.
For any question don't hesitate to contact me !