Aftercare

I will have used one of the following to cover your tattoo..

Second Skin:
Your bandage helps keep your new tattoo clean while it is on. This bandage should stay on for at least 24 hours. 3-5 days is perfect. If it's still on after 7 days, please take it off.
If you notice a rash starting, remove your bandage and follow the rest of the steps as normal.
To remove the bandage it's best to take a hot shower to start loosening off the adhesive layer. Then you will want to "stretch" the bandage off (similar to taking a 3M removable sticky hook off the wall).
There will almost definitely be a redness to the skin in the shape of your bandage. This is normal and will fade in a day or two.

Some do react a bit to the bandage. This is likely just going to cause extra itchiness around the tattoo. If you do have this, or any reaction, to the second skin, please remember to let your next tattoo artist know so you can discuss if it's a good idea to use it again or not.

Clear Wrap or Absorbent Pad:
Leave the wrap or pad on for 24 hours if possible.
It will not stick to your skin, so simply remove it before you shower.

DO NOT REBANDANGE.

After removing your bandage, gently wash your tattoo with your bare hand, warm water, and mild soap suds. Do not use a cloth or anything abrasive.

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Pat dry, do not rub with a towel.

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Leave your tattoo to dry for around 12-24 hours. I find this helps avoid the initial sting from early moisturizing and let's the body start to form a bit of a scab.

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DO NOT RE-BANDANGE.

After leaving the tattoo dry for 12-24 hours:
With clean hands (always), begin moisturizing and plan on applying moisturizer about 3 times a day, depending on your skin needs and how often you must wash the area.
I recommend the use of a gentle moisturizer free from perfumes, dyes, and harsh chemicals.
Avoid the use of Neosporin or other petroleum-based products. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to these products, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a splotchy tattoo.
I like to use cacao butter or a gentle body lotion. I sometimes have some available for sale in my studio. Another popular choice is coconut oil or shae butter.
Whatever you use to moisturize, you don’t need a lot.

If it stings and continues to burn, it’s not the right stuff. Wash it off and find something else.

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Do not over-moisturize to the point that your scab/tattoo gets gummy.

Keep your new tattoo out of sunlight and tanning beds until it is healed (2-3 weeks).
Use of sunscreen on your tattoos throughout their life will help keep them looking fresh and crisp. Sun ages our skin, and therefore our tattoos too.

Do not soak your new tattoo in a tub, sauna, steam room, hot tub, or go swimming while your it is healing. Showers are fine but do make them quick.
A wet scab comes off easily and will pull ink out with it.

Your handpoked tattoo will likely not itch. Machine tattoos are more prone to itching.
Do not rub, scratch, or pick the tattoo while it is healing. Loss of ink and/or infection could occur.
Again, when washing your tattoo, use just a mild soap and your bare hand then gently pat dry.
If/when it is itchy you can slap or tickle it to get some relief.

Your handpoked tattoo may heal within as little as 1-2 weeks.
Your machine tattoo should heal within 2-3 weeks.
The time it takes to heal depends on the thickness/heaviness of the work and your skin.

Consult a physician if any of the following signs or symptoms develop: deep or prolonged redness at site, green/yellow discharge (foul smelling) and/or fever. Larger tattoos may cause some prolonged swelling, however, if this swelling is extremely painful and red you should consult a physician.

After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly done tattoo, but a little is normal and there is no need to panic. Do not apply ointment or lotion to a softened scab - wait for it to dry. Your ink is attached to the scab, if you pick the scab, you pick the ink out too.
You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is not to pick it and don't scratch! If the skin itches, slap or tickle it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone or apply a very small amount of lotion. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it!