Read all 3 sections carefully and you should not have any problems... If you have concerns PLEASE call me at the shop at 330-928-9833 or contact me at hagertattoos@gmail.com
SECTION 1: (How to care for your tattoo)
1. When you leave your tattoo session your fresh tattoo will be bandaged. Leave the bandage on for 1 to 2 hours... no longer than 6 hours. DO NOT remove your bandage until you are somewhere you can wash your tattoo properly.2. When removing the bandage remove it very carefully. Even though a thin layer of ointment has been applied to your tattoo and odds are it will have still been leaking fluids it is important to make sure the bandage does not stick to your new tattoo. If you notice that the bandage is stuck to the tattoo DO NOT pull it off or you may damage the tattoo... Run the bandage under warm water and let it loosen up so that it will come right off.
3. After you've removed the bandage, using your hand (NO WASH CLOTHES) wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap. Very gently, yet thoroughly lather up your tattoo then rinse it thoroughly making sure you wash away any and all slimy residue. Once it is completely rinsed pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
4. I personally recommend not putting any ointments on your tattoo for the first 24 to 48 hours. For the first 2 days wash your tattoo exactly as you did after removing your bandage every 3 to 4 hours... During this time is when your body will continue to leak fluids that causes scabbing. The goal is to wash away these fluids so they don't get the chance to form scabs. If you see fluids starting to form then wash gently but thoroughly wash your tattoo to loosen up the drying fluids then rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
5. For the first couple nights I highly recommend covering your new tattoo with plastic wrap before bed to make sure it stays clean while in your bed and does not dry out and build scabs during the night. It is VERY important that you wash your tattoo just like in section 3 and make sure it is dry before applying plastic wrap to insure you do not trap bacteria under the plastic wrap. DO NOT apply any ointments under the plastic wrap. First thing when you wake up remove the plastic wrap and clean your tattoo. It may be slimy and look like ink came out... This is normal. The plastic wrap just trapped the body fluids during the night, and even though tattoo pigments are safe for the body, your body does recognize it as a foreign substance and the body doing its job will try to push it out... so some ink will be in the leaking body fluids.
6. After 2 days you may start to apply ointment or a mild, unscented, dye free lotion. DO NOT over do it... a little goes a long way. Apply the lightest amount possible, only enough to give your tattoo a very slight shine. Rub it in thoroughly and blot off any excess with a clean paper towel... Make sure you wash your tattoo, pat it dry and wait an additional 10 minutes each time before you apply ointment or lotion to your tattoo... once your tattoo starts to flake and peel only use lotion.
7. Once your tattoo starts to flake it will begin to itch. DO NOT scratch your tattoo or pick/peel the flakes. If it itches apply a light amount of lotion and massage it in thoroughly. This will help with the itching. Lightly patting the tattoo will give some relief as well.
8. Once all the flaking is gone continue to apply lotion a couple times a day to insure it will not dry out. Even though all the flakes have come off, the new skin is still very fresh and thin and capable of drying out... It may also have a shiny look to it which will go away as the skin heals completely.
SECTION 2: (Rough healing)
1. A rough heal can be caused by multiple reasons. Everything from a weak immune system, poor diet, being run down, allergy to ointments/lotions, not properly caring for your tattoo to even allergies to ink. Allergies to ink can span from everything to itchy bumps (which normally develop after it's healed) all the way to your body fully rejecting the ink... in which case you should seek medical advice to insure infection does not result.(Unless you know ahead of time and let me know there is no way for me to know if you have an allergy to inks, ointments, soaps, etc. used during the tattoo)
2. Like stated early every tattoo heals different. Even though a normal heal if taken care of properly should only lightly flake it is possible to form scabs. If you see scabs start to form discontinue applying ointments or lotion. Wash you tattoo like previously stated, pat dry with clean paper towel and let air dry for an additional 10 minutes. Cover your tattoo with plastic wrap (do not apply ointments or lotion)... Wash and apply a new piece of plastic wrap every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until scabbing has cleared up. This will basically soften up the scabbing making it easy to wash away... But it is VERY important to keep clean to prevent trapping bacteria under the plastic wrap.
3. In the event an infection occurs contact a doctor. Underneath that piece of art you just had put on your body is an open wound plain and simple. If not careful infection is possible... Make sure your bed sheets/blankets are clean (your bed is probably the dirtiest part of your house), make sure your clothes are clean, your hands are always clean before touching an unhealed tattoo and DO NOT let other people touch your fresh tattoo. Also keep in mind that staph naturally lives on your skin so its important to keep your tattoo as clean as possible.
4. If you see little pimples forming during the healing process discontinue using the ointment/lotion you're putting on it.
5. Certain areas are more prone to swelling after being tattooed... If this happens ice or cold compresses can help alleviate swelling.
SECTION 3: (Things NOT to do)
1. DO NOT use petroleum jelly, neosporin, bacitracin or other antibacterial ointments. Petroleum jelly will smother your tattoo and clog pores. Antibacterial creams are designed to draw foreign substances from your body... this includes tattoo ink.2. Do not workout until your tattoo is healed. It can cause irritation to your fresh tattoo... DO NOT go to the gym until your tattoo is healed. Gyms are breading grounds for bacteria and you are just asking for an infection.
3. Until your tattoo is healed do not submerge it in water... basically no baths, swimming or hot tubs... avoid saunas as well.
4. No prolonged sun exposure until your tattoo is healed... this includes tanning beds. If you have to be in the sun, cover your unhealed tattoo... Once your tattoo is healed it is recommended to use a high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo... Even that does not guarantee that the sun won't fade your tattoo.
5. DO NOT shave the area that was tattooed until it is healed.
The main thing to keep in mind is that your tattoo is an open wound and if not kept clean and taken proper care of is susceptible to infection just like any other cut, scrape, etc. Keeping it clean is the most important part of the healing process. A tattoo is a commitment and proper care should be your #1 priority.
