Tattoo Guidelines

1. Avoid Alcohol

   • Reason: Alcohol thins the blood, increasing bleeding and potentially diluting the ink, which can affect the tattoo’s final appearance. 

It also impairs judgment and may lead to regret over design choices.

1. • Tip: Avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before your tattoo appointment.

2. Refrain from Blood Thinners

   • Reason: Pills like Aspirin and Ibuprofen can thin the blood, leading to excessive bleeding and delayed healing.

   • Tip: Avoid these medications for 24 to 48 hours before your tattoo.

3. Limit Caffeine

   • Reason: Caffeine can make you jittery and restless, and may impact your skin's hydration and healing.

   • Tip: Reduce caffeine intake before your appointment.

4. Shower Beforehand

   • Reason: Clean skin helps prevent bacterial infections and makes for a more comfortable experience for both you and the artist.

   • Tip: Shower and wear clean clothes to your appointment.

5. Wear Comfortable Clothing

   • Reason: Loose clothing helps you sit or lie comfortably and prevents interference with the tattooing process.

   • Tip: Choose clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area and avoid tight or bright-colored clothes.

6. Get Plenty of Rest

   • Reason: Lack of sleep can impair your immune system and increase discomfort during the tattooing process.

   • Tip: Ensure you are well-rested and relaxed before your appointment.

7. Shave the Area

   • Reason: Shaving before your appointment helps avoid irritation and damage. 

If you don't shave beforehand, the artist will use disposable razors, which can cause more skin irritation.

7. • Tip: Shave the tattoo area with a good razor at home, taking care not to damage your skin.

The Bottom Line

• Preparation: Proper preparation is key. 

Ensure you are hydrated, well-rested, and physically and mentally ready for your tattoo to ensure a smooth process and optimal results.

1. Clean Hands

- Reason: Cleanliness prevents infections and ensures proper healing.

2. Keep Tip: Clean hands immediately before touching the area.

3.  Clean

   • Reason: Cleanliness helps prevent infections and ensures proper healing.

   • Tip: Gently wash the tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using abrasive or scented soaps.

4. Apply Aftercare Ointment

   • Reason: Moisturizing helps the healing process and prevents excessive scabbing.

   • Tip: Use a thin layer of a recommended aftercare ointment or unscented moisturizer. Apply as instructed by your tattoo artist.

5. Avoid Sun Exposure

   • Reason: UV rays can fade the tattoo and damage healing skin.

   • Tip: Keep the tattoo covered or apply sunscreen with high SPF once it’s fully healed.

6. Do Not Scratch or Pick

   • Reason: Scratching or picking can lead to infections and affect the final appearance of the tattoo.

   • Tip: If itching occurs, gently tap or apply moisturizer to soothe the area.

7. Avoid Soaking

   • Reason: Soaking can cause the ink to bleed out and prolong the healing process.

   • Tip: Avoid submerging the tattoo in water (e.g., swimming pools, hot tubs) until it is fully healed.

8. Wear Loose Clothing

   • Reason: Tight clothing can irritate the tattooed area and interfere with healing.

   • Tip: Opt for loose and breathable clothing to avoid friction and irritation.

9. Stay Hydrated and Healthy

   • Reason: Proper hydration and nutrition support the body’s healing processes.

   • Tip: Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to support skin health.

10. Follow Your Artist's Advice

    • Reason: Each tattoo and person may have specific care instructions.

    • Tip: Follow any additional care instructions provided by your tattoo artist for optimal results.

The Bottom Line

• Care: Proper post-tattoo care is crucial for achieving the best results and ensuring your tattoo heals well. Follow these guidelines closely to maintain the quality and appearance of your new tattoo.

1. Initial Care:

   • Remove the Wrap: Remove the plastic wrap from your tattoo within 2 hours after getting home.

   • Clean: Gently wash the tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.

2. Apply Ointment:

   • Apply: Use a thin layer of Bepanthen ointment or a recommended aftercare product 2-4 times a day.

   • No Re-Wrapping: Do not apply another bandage over the tattoo.

3. Ongoing Care:

   • Wash Twice Daily: Clean the tattoo area with water twice a day and gently dry before reapplying ointment.

   • Avoid: Swimming, sun exposure, and tight clothing for about 2 weeks. Opt for cool showers instead of hot ones.

4. Monitor Scabs:

   • Do Not Pick: It’s normal for scabs to form. Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling to prevent infections and ink loss.

Following these steps will help ensure proper healing of your new tattoo!

Keep the Film On:

• Duration: Leave the second skin on for up to 5 days.

• No Cleaning Needed: Do not wash or apply cream while the film is on.

If Needed:

• Remove and Clean: If the film becomes excessively sweaty or bleeds, remove it following these steps:

  • Shower First: Take a shower before removing the film. This helps to soften any adhesion and reduces skin damage.

  • Gently Remove: Carefully peel off the second skin after showering. Wash the tattoo gently with mild soap and water, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment.

Avoid:

• Swimming and Sun Exposure: Do not swim or expose the tattoo to the sun during the healing period.

• Sweating: Try to avoid excessive sweating as it can affect healing.

'Please note: Only reapply the SecondSkin if you have your own and fully understand the correct application process. Incorrect use can result in serious complications, such as infections or delayed healing. If you're not confident in your knowledge, it's best to follow the aftercare instructions given by your artist.'

1. Keep the Skin Clean: After removing the Second Skin, gently clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water and mild soap. 

Make sure the skin is completely dry before reapplying.

2. Ensure Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the new Second Skin. 

Consider wearing sterile gloves while applying it.

3. Check Skin Condition: Carefully inspect the tattooed area after removing the Second Skin. 

If you notice any redness, irritation, or excessive oozing, allow the skin to rest before reapplying, or consult your tattoo artist for advice.

4. Keep the Area Dry: Ensure that the tattooed area is completely dry before reapplying the Second Skin.

 Moisture or leftover creams can prevent proper adhesion and increase the risk of infection.

5. Choose the Right Size and Position: Cut the new Second Skin to a size that fully covers the tattooed area.

 Apply it carefully, avoiding wrinkles or air bubbles, and make sure the tattoo is centered.

6. Post-Application Care: After reapplying the Second Skin, avoid excessive movement or pressure on the area. Keep it clean and avoid prolonged exposure to water or strenuous activities to ensure it stays securely in place.

Following these steps will help protect your tattoo and maintain its color and clarity.

Getting a tattoo is an exciting process, but proper aftercare is crucial for healing, maintaining 

the vibrancy of your tattoo, and avoiding potential complications. Below is a detailed explanation 

of the essential aftercare steps, why they matter, potential issues that can arise if not followed, 

and the correct procedures to ensure optimal healing.

1. Keeping the Tattoo Clean (First 24-48 Hours)

After getting your tattoo, the first 24 to 48 hours are the most important in terms of 

keeping the tattoo clean. The tattoo will be an open wound, and it is highly susceptible 

to infection during this time.

Why it’s important: Tattoos create small puncture wounds in the skin, allowing ink to be deposited 

into the dermis. During the initial healing stage, bacteria and germs can easily enter the wound and 

cause infections. Keeping the area clean prevents bacteria buildup and lowers the risk of infection.

How to care for it:

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.

Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap (no scrubbing, as this can irritate the tattoo).

Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel or paper towel.

Apply a thin layer of a recommended ointment (such as Aquaphor or a tattoo-specific aftercare ointment). 

Avoid thick layers, as this can suffocate the tattoo and trap moisture, encouraging bacteria growth.

Potential issues: Not cleaning the tattoo properly can lead to an infection, which may result in scarring, 

fading, or other long-term skin issues. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain.

 If you notice any of these, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.

2. Keeping the Tattoo Moisturized (First 2-3 Weeks)

Moisturizing your tattoo is essential to ensure the skin remains hydrated and to prevent it from drying out.

Why it’s important: Dry skin can lead to scabbing or flaking, which can result in uneven ink retention and fading.

Moisturizing helps the skin heal without cracking, promoting an even, smooth surface for the ink to settle.

How to care for it:

Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare lotion or ointment (fragrance-free and non-comedogenic) 

to keep the tattoo moist.

Reapply the ointment 2-3 times a day or as recommended by your artist.

Avoid using petroleum-based products (such as Vaseline) as they can clog pores and cause the tattoo to heal poorly.

Potential issues: If you do not keep the tattoo moisturized, it can become too dry, leading to scabs 

and excessive flaking. This can result in uneven fading or distortion of the design. On the other hand, 

over-moisturizing can also cause issues, such as trapping too much moisture and causing the tattoo to 

"sweat" under the ointment, which can create an environment for bacteria.

3. Avoiding Sun Exposure (First 2-3 Weeks)

One of the biggest threats to your tattoo during the healing process is exposure to sunlight.

Why it’s important: UV rays from the sun can cause the ink to fade faster, and exposure to sunlight on 

an open wound increases the risk of infection. Additionally, sunburns can severely damage the healing skin, 

leading to increased scarring and loss of detail in the tattoo.

How to care for it:

Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo for at least 2-3 weeks, or until the tattoo has fully healed.

If you must go out in the sun, cover the tattoo with clothing or use a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

 to protect it from UV rays.

Seek shade whenever possible to prevent unnecessary sun exposure.

Potential issues: Direct sun exposure can cause the ink to fade and discolor, resulting in dull colors. 

Sunburn on a healing tattoo can also cause blistering, which leads to scarring and permanent damage to the tattoo.

4. Avoiding Soaking (First 2 Weeks)

Soaking the tattoo in water—whether in a bath, hot tub, pool, or ocean—should be avoided during the healing process.

Why it’s important: Submerging your tattoo in water can cause the ink to spread, and the moisture can 

cause the scabs to lift prematurely, leading to color loss and distortion of the tattoo. 

It can also introduce bacteria into the healing tattoo, leading to infection.

How to care for it:

Avoid soaking in water for at least 2 weeks after getting the tattoo.

Shower normally, but try not to let the water run directly over the tattoo for long periods.

When washing the tattoo, do so quickly and avoid rubbing it with a towel afterward.

Potential issues: Soaking the tattoo can lead to excessive bleeding or ink leakage. 

If the tattoo is submerged in unclean water, it can become infected, and you may experience itching,

 redness, or swelling.

5. Not Picking at Scabs or Peeling Skin

As your tattoo heals, you may notice scabs or peeling skin. This is completely normal, 

but picking at the scabs can cause serious issues.

Why it’s important: Picking at scabs or peeling skin can pull the ink out, cause scarring, 

and affect the final appearance of your tattoo. It can also lead to infection, as your fingers may 

introduce bacteria to the tattooed area.

How to care for it:

Resist the urge to scratch or pick at the tattoo, even if it itches.

Allow the skin to peel naturally and let scabs fall off on their own.

Apply a soothing lotion if the itching is too intense to help keep the area moisturized and reduce irritation.

Potential issues: Picking at scabs can cause long-term damage to the tattoo. It can lead to scarring, 

patchy areas where the ink was removed, and an uneven healing process.

6. Long-Term Aftercare (Ongoing)

Even after the initial healing period of 2-3 weeks, long-term aftercare is important for 

keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant.

Why it’s important: Tattoos continue to "settle" into the skin over time. 

Proper care ensures that the tattoo maintains its sharpness, and the colors remain vivid for years.

How to care for it:

Continue to moisturize the tattoo to keep the skin hydrated.

Use sunscreen when exposed to the sun, even after the tattoo is fully healed.

Keep the tattoo clean and avoid scratching or excessive rubbing.

Potential issues: Without ongoing protection, tattoos can fade due to sun exposure, 

environmental factors, or aging skin.

Conclusion

Proper tattoo aftercare is vital for ensuring that your tattoo heals correctly and maintains its vibrancy. Neglecting to follow these guidelines can lead to infections, scarring, fading, or distortion of the tattoo design.

By keeping the tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun and water, you will help the 

tattoo heal properly and ensure that it looks beautiful for years to come. Always consult your 

tattoo artist for specific aftercare instructions tailored to your skin and the tattoo you received.