* BEST AGING TIPS *
YOUR AFTERCARE METHODS IMPACT THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR TATTOO—PLEASE TREAT YOUR NEW INK LIKE A NEWBORN BABY / OPEN WOUND
PRIMARY CARE
Healing generally takes about 3-4 weeks—patience <3
Clean hands near tattoo always / only.
AVOID:
heavy sweating (1st week)
saunas, hot tubs, soaking, swimming (min. 2 weeks)
direct sun— exposing a new tattoo to sun can impact healing / cause zones to raise or itch with age :( loose bandana coverage on sunny days helps ( emphasis on loose // dont smother or tie too tight as this will create a lil sweat pocket no no)!
scratching / picking esp during the healing process (if super itchy, treat like a mosquito bite—simply smack it or apply balm if esp dry)
pet paw contact as this can potentially split the ink to pore deposit / cause uneven line healing
BANDAGE
Second Skin:
This waterproof clear bandaid is your “2nd skin” — fine to shower with it.
Best to ignore / let it work its subtle magic— ideally, leave on 1-3 days max—if irritated or red on edges take off immediately under running water always to ease surface tension.
Generally, you will see your tattoo clearly and then it may look blurry, ooey gooey, fugly — normal healthy healing! This is simply excess ink pooling in your bandage. The second skin should contain the plasma so no worries about the ink spread.
After 3 full days, remove second skin under running water for ease. Peeling it dry / aggressively may cause delicate linework to lift uneven. Using clean hands, rinse with mild unscented soap / lukewarm water.
(If 2nd skin falls prematurely, it’s your skin asking to breathe—no need to re-bandage—same aftercare ≫ cleanse with clean hands • mild soap • clean water)
When you peel off layer, tattoo may appear “printed“ onto second skin — this is normal. Intentionally wash a few more times. Your tattoo should still be in tact.
Air dry or pat with clean paper towel. Moisturize with ointment as needed.
Fave BDS Skin Balms: Hustle Butter, Coconut Oil, Mild Unscented Lotion.
Gauze Pad Bandage (3 hrs min)
Remove with clean hands / cleanse with unscented mild soap (dr. bronner’s // dial work great!).
Air dry or pat with clean paper towel. Moisturize with ointment as needed.
AGING
Once your bandage is off, the zone will start to scab. Some spots may flake more intensely / look patchy—be patient / treat like a scab going through its healing.
Let your skin do its thing. If you suspect infection, take a clear photo and email me—we will mutually decide if we need to seek a doctors advice (rare if ever).
Use balm sparingly - your skin regulates itself — a thin layer goes a long way.
After a week, switch to natural lubricants / any water based lotions or products specific to tattoo aftercare!
Mild fragrance free, hypoallergenic products = :)
Once your tattoo is fully healed—apply sunscreen.
TOUCH UP
I give a lot of fine line tattoos — since skin sheds and regenerates, the likelihood that some area on your tattoo will fade or fall out with age is inevitable. Most prefer this to a blown out overly thick tattoo.
I offer all necessary touch-ups free.
For zones with a lot of rotational movement and unavoidable exposure (hand // neck // feet tattoos) I offer the first touch up free—all future work will be subject to a $50 fee.
Any questions / concerns, feel free to email me.