Congratulations on your fresh ink! To ensure your tattoo stays vibrant for years to come, proper aftercare is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide to make your healing journey healthy and straightforward:

Start with Clean Hands: Always wash your hands for a full minute using warm water and unscented antibacterial soap before touching your fresh tattoo. Think of it as a tattoo-handshake with your ink.

The Magic of Derm Shield: For most of my work, I use a protective wrap called Derm Shield or Second Skin, which remains on your tattoo for at least five days. Applied at the end of the session, its role is to mimic a blister, shielding your artwork from external elements. It also captures fluid buildup, such as blood, plasma, and ink, allowing for a more natural healing process that your body is designed to understand.

Fluid Collection Variations: Everyone's different when it comes to fluid buildup under the wrap, and any amount is perfectly normal. If it becomes too much for the wrap to handle, don't worry—just notify me, and we can replace it with another layer. The fluid may turn gray, but it won't affect your tattoo's color (especially if it's a color tattoo).

Hands Off the Bubbles: Expect air bubbles under the aftercare wrap from the application. Don't pop or poke these bubbles, as the wrap's goal is to maintain an uncontaminated environment.

Unveiling Your Artwork: When it's time to remove the wrap, follow these steps:

• Clean your hands, always.

• Gently remove the wrap, pulling away from your body.

• Rinse your tattoo with lukewarm water to remove any blood and excess ink. Some ink oozing is normal.

• Use fragrance-free, antibacterial soap to gently lather and wash your tattoo. No scrubbing. If there's stubborn skin, blood, or ink, leave it be; it will come off later.

• Pat the area dry with a fresh paper towel.

• Let your tattoo breathe until completely dry.

• Apply a thin layer of healing ointment to the entire tattoo.

Repeat the Routine: Follow this process every morning, midday, night, and whenever your tattoo feels dirty or tight throughout the day. Keeping the area clean and hydrated is crucial for the best results.

Prevent Contamination: Remember to wash your hands before applying ointment and never double-dip to avoid contamination.

The Peel Phase: Around days 3 or 4, you'll notice layers of skin and tattoo beginning to flake or peel. This is perfectly normal and ideal. Washing and cleaning will assist in the shedding process, so there's no need to intentionally peel.

Hands Off Your Tattoo: NEVER pull, peel, or scratch at your healing tattoo. Such actions can result in ink loss, which we want to avoid.

Dress Code: Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first two weeks. Avoid anything abrasive or irritating. For foot tattoos, go barefoot whenever possible. If you must wear shoes, wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover it with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Steer clear of sandals or flip-flops to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo.

Sun Protection: For the first two weeks, keep your tattoo away from direct sunlight, as it can be harsh on fresh ink. After it heals on the surface, apply sunscreen (SPF 60) to protect it. A layer of spray tan over a fully healed tattoo is also a great way to safeguard your investment, especially when going on vacation.

No Swimming Until Healed: Avoid swimming until your tattoo is completely healed. We want to protect your fresh artwork.

Ongoing Aftercare: After your tattoo is healed, aftercare is a lifelong commitment. Protect your body art and skin health by consistently applying sunscreen and moisturizing daily. Staying hydrated with water and maintaining a healthy diet can also help your tattoo maintain its vibrancy.

You're now a canvas for some awesome art, so remember to take good care of it!