AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
FIRST DAY/NIGHT
Keep the Bandage On - This is very important! Leave the bandage on for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can. ( Four days if using a Second Skin type product) If it comes off before you sleep, follow the steps below to clean your tattoo properly.
DEALING WITH BLOOD
If your tattoo bleeds a bit the first night, it might stick to your clothes or bedding. If this happens, be gentle when removing the fabric. If it doesn't come off easily, wet it with lukewarm water first.
WHAT'S NORMAL
Fresh tattoos may leak a little ink and plasma. If you see this on your skin, gently dab it with a clean paper towel; don’t wipe or scrub! If a little color comes off, don’t worry, this is completely normal, it’s just extra ink.
AVOID STAINING
Use dark towels and wear dark clothes to prevent stains from any bleeding or weeping.
Congratulations on getting your new tattoo! Taking good care of it will help it heal quickly and look great for years to come! Here’s a simple guide on how to keep your tattoo clean and healthy.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Start with clean hands. Use a gentle, unscented liquid soap—skip any fancy soaps with fragrances, scrubs, and bar soap.
2. Remove the Bandage: If it sticks, dampen it with lukewarm water to loosen it. Pulling off without dampening may damage the tattoo.
3. Clean the Tattoo: Use fragrance-free liquid soap to gently clean your tattoo in a circular motion with your hands only. DO NOT USE WASHCLOTHS or SCRUBS ETC. ! Rinse it carefully with fresh clean water until it’s clean. Repeat this a few times to ensure all ointment, plasma and/or Second Skin residue are removed.
4. Dry the Tattoo: Pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel, and let it air dry for about 15-20 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB! Be gentle
5. Apply Ointment: Once it’s dry, use a small amount of Aquaphor or Hustle Butter. Rub a small amount gently on your fingertips and dab all over the tattoo. Then gently massage in. Blot off any extra with a clean paper towel. Just a light layer is enough—your tattoo needs to breathe!Clean your tattoo like this once a day in the shower for the first 5-7 days. There’s no need to re-bandage it, but be careful to keep it away from dirt and germs.
Ointment Application: For the first week, apply the ointment 1-2 times a day no more, but just a little each time. When your tattoo starts to flake or peel like a sunburn, switch to a fragrance-free lotion, like Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Lubriderm, for another 2 weeks.
Healing Time: Your tattoo should be fully healed in about 2-4 weeks.
For Sensitive Skin: If you experience breakouts from the lotion, simply use it less often and please contact us.
Itchiness: It's normal for your tattoo to feel itchy or form small scabs. Let them fall off naturally— DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH! This helps your tattoo keep its color and heal well.Keep Things Clean: Keep pets and small children away from your fresh tattoo. Use clean towels, sheets, and clothing to avoid infections.
Showering: You can take showers, but avoid soaking your tattoo for at least 2 weeks. This means no swimming, baths, hot tubs, pools, or saunas.
Sun Protection: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least 3-4 weeks. After that, use sunscreen with at least SPF 50 whenever you’re in the sun to protect it. Apply sunblock 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every hour. This will prevent fading.
Wear Loose Clothing: Choose loose and comfy clothes, preferably cotton, to avoid irritating your tattoo. Steer clear of tight clothing or anything that could rub against it.
Activities: Avoid any activities that may damage your tattoo. Such as exercises, sweating, sports, etc. If it feels like you're doing damage, YOU ARE! We cannot express this enough!
Most importantly, DO NOT listen to anyone on how to care for your tattoo. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
By following these simple steps, you’ll help your tattoo heal beautifully! Thank you from all of us at NINTH TENTACLE TATTOO!