1) AFTER THE TATTOO SESSION:
If you have a protective film: Take it off when you get home and are calm (You can keep it until the following morning at the latest).
If you have a "second skin" dressing: You can keep it for a maximum of 3 days (There's no point in keeping it if it's full of ink/blood). See the insider tip for easy removal.
2) ONCE THE PROTECTION IS REMOVED:
Wash the tattoo with mild pH-neutral soap (rub gently and wipe with a disposable towel).
3) THE NEXT DAY:
Apply a healing cream (in a thin layer 2 to 3 times a day, for about 1 month).
You can also use natural products (coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter…), but be careful, check first if you are not allergic!
Your skin will heal on the surface in about a month (this varies from person to person, of course). However, it will take several more months to heal completely.
Be meticulous with your care, they will determine the proper healing of your tattoo. It is encouraged to continue applying cream and moisturizing your skin, even after healing, to maintain beautiful skin and a beautiful tattoo.
WARNING! DURING THE HEALING PERIOD (approximately 1 month):
- In the first few days, your tattoo may have some inflammatory reactions (redness and swelling) and it will release some fluid (a mixture of exudate and ink), all of this is normal.
- Absolutely avoid baths, swimming pools, lakes and the sea. Showers are of course permitted, the principle is to avoid leaving your skin and tattoo in water for extended periods (this could damage your tattoo and/or cause an infection). If you have no other option, use waterproof bandages.
- Do not expose your tattoo to the sun (afterwards, a protection index 50 is recommended). If you have no other choice, use UV-protective bandages.
- Your tattoo will peel, mottle, pull, burn, and itch: this is normal, DO NOT SCRATCH, this would damage it (and you would risk infection as a bonus)!
- Do not wear wool, nylon, or synthetic materials directly on the tattoo (Be careful with tights, stockings, socks and underwear). These materials could burn your tattoo through abrasion. Opt for a loose-fitting garment made of cotton.
- Do not wax or shave over your tattoo.
- Wash your hands and your tattoo before applying your healing cream.
- Don't let anyone touch your tattoo and do not share your tube/box of cream: it must remain personal to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.
Leave your tattoo exposed to the air as much as possible, do not apply a bandage or disinfect it (with disinfectants), this would destroy your immune defenses and facilitate a possible infection in addition to destroying scar tissue. - Pay particular attention to your surroundings and Avoid exposing your freshly tattooed skin to soiled materials, dust, animals, household products… In case of contact or doubt, clean your tattoo and apply healing cream.
For any concerns or in case of an adverse reaction: Contact me by email!
But if it's "not pretty" don't wait to go to the pharmacy or consult a doctor.
