Aftercare

The first week of aftercare is the most important for your new tattoo. Make sure you care for it properly. Please note that every Tattoo Artist may have different healing methods and it is recommended to follow the instructions given by your own Artist. Below are my aftercare instructions, and other do's and don'ts that I recommended.

1. Keep second skin on for 48 - 72 hours

• Forget it's there! The second skin is waterproof and you can still shower as normal.

• Avoid exercise or excessive sweating while the bandage is on. Sweat and friction will peel up the edges of the second skin and we don't want bacteria getting underneath.

• Limit alcohol intake as you are healing

• It is very normal for fluids or an 'ink sack' to appear inside the second skin.

• Some redness and soreness is normal, but excessive swelling, welts, blisters, and rashes are not and could be an allergic reaction to the second skin. If you experience any of the above please email me a photo and I will advise you from there.

Some folks are allergic to second skin. If you know this to be true about yourself I am happy to offer alternative options.

2. 48 - 72 hours later: Removing the second skin

Always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before removing the second skin or touching your new tattoo.

• The second skin is easiest to remove while in the shower. Let the warm water run over it and peel down from one edge slowly, keeping close to the body. It may be painful to remove as your tattoo will still be sensitive, but don't worry, it won't affect your tattoo! The second skin may show an imprint of your tattoo on it, this is also normal.

• Once removed, wash the entire area very gently with your hands and unscented soap. Do not scrub. Rinse well.

• After your shower, let the tattoo air dry completely or pat dry gently with a paper towel, do not use a fabric towel as they can harbour bacteria.

• Once dry, apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion (see below for recommendations) to the tattoo, careful not to over-moisturize. Do not re-bandage.

• Continue giving it a gentle wash daily, and moisturizing twice a day or as needed while healing.

3. The healing stage

For the next week or two, your new tattoo can look a bit crazy! Redness, peeling, flaking, and itchiness are all perfectly normal and expected. Trust the process! A new layer of skin needs to heal over before you can see your tattoo in all its glory. This usually takes about 2 weeks, while solid black areas may take longer (up to a few months) and appear shiny or glossy for awhile.

Continue with the aftercare instructions and whatever you do, DO NOT rub, pick or scratch while it heals. This can remove pigment and severely impact the heal. Touchups, if needed, are free for 6 months.

other important notes & recommendations:

• Avoid direct sunlight on your new tattoo for one month. Cover it when you can while outside.

• NO sunscreen on your new tattoo for 2 weeks; after 2 weeks ALWAYS use sunscreen on your tattoo before sun exposure to increase longevity and reduce fading. Sun is a tattoos worst nightmare.

• NO submerging your new tattoo for 2 weeks: no soaking/swimming, beaches, pools, or hot tubs. Showering as normal is recommended.

• It is recommend you change your sheets before going to bed with a new tattoo, especially if you sleep with pets.

• Again, NEVER ever rub, scratch, or pick at a new tattoo!

unscented soap recommendations: dove, neutrogena, dr. bronner's unscented soap

unscented lotion recommendations: aquaphor, aveeno, jergens, nivea, cetaphil, cerave

do not use: vaseline, polysporin, vitamin E oil, essential oils, facial cleansers, acne cleansers, anything with a scent

please email me with any further questions at natashajessietattoos@gmail.com