Caring for your tattoo
Leave it on: Your artist will bandage your tattoo to keep it clean. Leave the bandage in place for a minimum of 6-12 hours (overnight is ideal, especially for larger pieces).
Why overnight? Keeping it covered while you sleep prevents your fresh tattoo from sticking to sheets or blankets, avoiding potential healing complications
What to expect: During this “Open” stage, your skin may weep a clear plasma-this is just your body’s natural cleaning process at work.
The Initial Bandage
1
Remove and Dispose: Gently remove the bandage and dispose of it properly (treat it as bio-hazard waste).
Wash gently: With clean hands and warm water, use your fingertips to gently wash the area until it feels clean and smooth. This removes excess plasma, extra ink, and dried blood.
Shower tips: If washing in the shower, be cautious not to use scented soaps.
Dry off: Gently pat the area dry with a clean hand towel when finished.
2
THe first wash
Keep it dry: Once washed, your tattoo is exposed to the air and transitions from a wet wound to a healing, dry tattoo. Try not to touch it unnecessarily.
Temperature: The area may feel warm as your body sends blood to help the healing process.
Monitor weeping: Keep a close eye on the tattoo for the next few hours. If you notice additional weeping, gently repeat the cleaning process via spot cleaning rather than soaking the area.
Crucial Rule: DO NOT apply any cream or lotion for the first 4-5 days. Let your body heal naturally and create a proper seal before adding moisture.
Transitioning to the closed stage
3
Daily maintenance & Healing (after Day 4-5)
4
Managing dryness: As the skin heals, flaking, dryness, and itching are completely normal.
Applying lotion: You can now apply a very thin, skim layer of unscented lotion (like Aveeno or Lubriderm work great).
Tip: Rub a little lotion into your clean hands first so you can control the amount evenly before applying it to the tattoo.
Remember: Lotion doesn’t heal the tattoo; it’s purpose is simply to keep the skin flexible. Be careful around the flaking areas so you don’t prematurely pull off shedding skin.
General recovery: Healing takes about 2 weeks for most tattoos. A healthy diet, proper hydration, and plenty of sleep are your nest tools for a fast recovery.
important rules To Live BY
Avoid: Stay out of public pools, gyms, and hot tubs while healing, as the skin remains vulnerable to reopening and infection.
Golden Rule: Keep it clean, keep it dry, and DO NOT pick or scratch it.
Enjoy your new tattoo!
Any questions contact kevinjohnsontattoos@gmail.com