Aftercare
Tattoo Aftercare
Remember, the average tattoo needs approximately 2 weeks of special care including- Do not submerge your tattoo!! NO HOT SPINGS, tubs, saunas, pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. Keep it out of direct sunlight! Keep it away from public surfaces, and areas that may be host to bacteria including but not exclusive to; counter tops, weight room equipment and furniture. Don’t itch, scratch it, or let your friends slap it!
1. Your dermal bandage is water resistant and breathable. Yes, you can shower with it on.
Keep your bandage on at least overnight. If the bandage is removed on the first night, the tattoo may stick to or stain bed sheets or clothing. Maintain clean bedding and clothing throughout the healing process (about 2 weeks).
You may keep the bandage on for up to 5 days maximum. Keep in mind that everyone has unique skin and may heal differently, therefore you must be a good judge of when to take the bandage off.
2. When to take the bandage off; if your developing a rash from the adhesive. The rash will usually form around the edges of the bandage. If there is irrigation or it has become uncomfortable. If you have an access amount of fluid building up under the bandage that results in an “ink sack” or pocket of fluid that builds similar to a bubble. A small, thin amount of fluid, that may look messy is ok. People who have sensitive skin may want to take their bandage off sooner. There is no harm in taking the bandage off, it is simply for convenience and offers a good healing environment.
3. When removing the bandage peel it back over its self rather than pulling it away from the skin. Removing the bandage under running water may help. Luke warm water is best. Wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and soap. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. We recommend soap with-NO fragrance, moisture beads, or scrubs. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on a fresh tattoo. Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water and gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed. Rinse the tattoo of all soap. Take a clean paper towel and pat your tattoo dry gently, or air dry.
3. Once the tattoo is dry apply artist recommended ointment. Apply a thin layer 2-3 a day until fully healed.
5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being sloughed from the surface of the skin.
6. Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo. Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten day of having your tattoo.
7. Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. The tattoo should not be re-bandaged.
8. Do not submerge your tattoo in water. Avoid rivers, lakes, hot springs, hot tubs, baths, etc… until your tattoo is fully healed.
9. After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will slough eventually. Once again, they will be the color of the tattoo. It normally takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact one of our artists at (970) 367-3136. Please do not consult your friends about healing issues, as everyone’s experience is unique. Our artists are more than happy to help with any concerns you might have.
Piercing Aftercare
New piercings can discharge lymph, blood, blood plasma, and dead cells. The purpose of cleaning your piercing is to remove this discharge as well as any dirt or bacteria picked up during the day. Generally speaking, piercings take 4-6 weeks to heal. Avoid submerging your piercing except when cleaning. Especially avoid; hot springs, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, ponds oceans, etc., as these places pose serious risk for contact with bacteria. Most importantly don’t touch, or play with your new piercing, or the jewelry in it unless you are cleaning your piercing with clean hands. The best thing you can do is to keep a regular routine of salt water soaks; twice daily, for at least two weeks. Soaking will help to draw out discharge, stimulate blood circulation, and soothe irritations. Make a soaking solution of sea salt and water. Use only pure, NON-IODIZED sea salt, and NOT table salt, which contains extra chemicals that can irritate your piercing. When buying salt, read the label: it should contain only salt. Make sure your salt-to- water ratio is correct. A stronger or weaker solution may actually harm your piercing. Use a small cup containing the salt water solution to submerge your piercing and jewelry. If this is too difficult, a paper towel can be used as a sponge to soak up and squeeze out the solution onto your piercing. Soaking for 5 minutes is the best course of action.
SEA SALT WATER
1/4 Teaspoon 1 Cup (8 oz.)
1 Teaspoon 1 Quart (32 oz.)
While sea salt soaks are preferred aftercare for most piercings, soap effectively removes the residue of sweat, dirt, skin oils, cosmetics, cigarette smoke, and natural discharge that can sometimes remain after a salt water soak. Thoroughly wash your hands, then lather the soap in your fingers before lathering the piercing and surrounding skin. Thoroughly clean the piercing and jewelry, making sure to gently remove any discharge on the jewelry, then rinse. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry during cleaning but the jewelry should be clean and not sticking to your skin. This is recommended once daily, for two weeks.