TATTOO AFTERCARE
Please follow these instructions carefully for the best results.
Plastic Wrap Healing Method
Remove your bandage four hours after getting tattooed.
With clean hands, wash your tattoo with unscented soap and warm water (I like Dove soap in a hand pump). Pat dry with a clean towel and let it air out for 15 minutes before applying a very small amount of Aquaphor*.
Wrap your tattoo for the first 3 nights while sleeping and for 6-8 hours the day after getting tattooed (I like to book-end the day with 3 hours of air, morning and night).
To Wrap: Cover your clean & dry tattoo with plastic wrap and use tape to secure. You don’t need to use Aquaphor when you are wrapping the tattoo.
Wrap your tattoo for the first 3 nights and the 2nd day after getting tattooed.
After the third night, discontinue wrapping the tattoo and discontinue the use of Aquaphor.
Continue to wash your tattoo and moisturize with a light unscented lotion like Aveeno 2-3 times a day. Do not use a thick lotion like Eucerin or shea butter. Healing takes about 3 weeks and is done once the tattoo no longer looks dry and flaky.
Tegaderm Healing Method
If I apply tegaderm (aka saniderm or second skin) to your tattoo, please follow these instructions.
Keep the tegaderm on your tattoo for 3-5 days unless it leaks or feels uncomfortable.
Tegaderm traps liquid in, so don't be alarmed if your tattoo looks "muddy" or if a pocket of fluid builds up.
If any liquid comes out of the tegaderm, it must be removed as soon as possible. If you have a burning sensation, remove it immediately.
Keep in mind that your tattoo needs to be covered for the first 3 nights when you sleep. If the tegaderm comes off early, please use the plastic wrap method (above) to keep your tattoo healing properly.
Remove the tegaderm slowly in a hot shower after 3-5 days.
Proceed with a daily wash and apply a light, unscented lotion 2-3 times a day until the tattoo is fully healed.
——-
If you choose to apply tegaderm the day after getting tattooed, please follow these instructions for application and refer to the info above:
Wait until the morning after getting tattooed to apply the tegaderm. Please follow the plastic wrap instructions abovie for the first night and following morning.
Wipe the perimiter of your tattoo with rubbing alcohol and let it fully dry. With clean hands, apply the tegaderm to clean, dry skin with a 1" border around the tattoo.
FOR TWO WEEKS:
No picking or scratching.
No exposure to prolonged sunlight.
Don’t submerge it in water. Getting the tattoo wet in the shower is fine, but no baths, swimming or chlorine.
No sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed.
Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
*Alternative healing techniques should be discussed with me. If you don't like Aquaphor, a great product is Unpetroleum. Please check the highlights on my Instagram for more options. Be sure to go over your chosen healing plan with me so we can make sure your tattoo heals well!
For pain management, I recommend Tylenol. Avoid medications like Ibuprofen, Advil, Asprin or other blood thinners that may affect the quality of your tattoo. Some folks find that icing their tattoo (when wrapped in plastic) can provide relief. I think it’s fine as long as you’re not experiencing a burning sensation.
If you have questions or problems contact me!
renglasstattoo@gmail.com