1. After about 3-5 hours, remove the bandage and gently wash with water and fragrance free antibacterial soap, using just your clean hand, then rinse (never use a washcloth or luffa on a new tattoo). Allow to air dry completely and do not rebandage. Do not apply moisturizer on the first day. This allows the tattoo to properly scab. Do not apply adhesive bandages yourself ever.

 

2.  Starting the next day, use a simple fragrance free lotion, or ointment to moisturize the tattoo up to 3x a day (i.e. after showering, and in the morning) Using as little product as you can.

 

 ~ a note on ointments (ie. Aquaphor): It is incredibly easy to misuse Aquaphor or other ointments like it, as it does not soak into the skin. You must use it correctly or infection/ink loss can take place. Use the smallest amount possible, and rub it in gently. If the skin is still shiny, wipe off the excess product with a clean hand. I suggest not using any ointments on a tattoo on the first night, especially if large and/or machine done.~

 

3. The initial open wound healing stage usually takes 5-10 days. In the first 10 days, wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and clean hands 2-3x a day, and moisturize as needed, up to 3x a day. At around day 4-6, your tattoo will begin peel and flake. After the peeling is over (typically around the 3 week mark), the tattoo will look a bit shiny and may still feel tender. At this stage the open wound is healed, and you may moisturize as much as you like. The ink will continue to settle in for up to two months, so I don't suggest getting a touch up on a tattoo sooner than 2-3 months after receiving it. 

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4. Stay out of the sunlight, lakes, pools, baths, hot tubs, saunas and tanning booths until the tattoo is healed (at least 20 days for hand-poke, a month for machine). Cover your new tattoo with cloth in the summer while going outside, as its not suggested to put sunscreen on a tattoo in its open would phase. Do not submerge your new tattoo in water while it is healing. Sun exposure will fade your tattoo. This can be minimized by using sunscreen, at least SP30,  on your tattoos when outside for longer than 15 minutes, during any time of year. Some inks are more photosensitive than others (particularly red). This means the body will have a histamine reaction if the tattoo has been exposed to too much sun. This can happen to any tattoo no matter how old, so if you notice your tattoo feeling itchy and raised, you may need to step out of the sun, or just drink some water. 

 

5. Do not rub pick or scratch the tattoo while it is healing and peeling. It may get very itchy, patting is fine.

 

6. Everyone has an opinion about what healing method is best. You will learn your preferred way; this is mine. If your tattoo looks like it needs a touchup, email me with photos, and I will get you scheduled at no cost, within 1 year of being done. The best time to get a touch up is within 6 months of first getting the tattoo. 

 

Should you have any problems or questions you may always email me!​      spaceghosttattoo@gmail.com