AFTERCARE

DO

Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning or touching your tattoo.

If Second Skin bandage has been used, keep this on for at least 24 hours & up to 5 days. Plasma fluid under the adhesive is very normal and expected, it will wash off when you remove the second skin.
When removing your bandage, rinse your tattoo with warm water and clean paper towel. If residue from the adhesive is present, coconut oil or similar should help dissolve the residue. You can use firm but gentle pressure to wipe down the area.
You can replace the second skin with another after the first one has been removed and the area cleaned. The skin must be dry and not tacky to touch for the adhesive to stick and be watertight. The second dressing may be left on for up to 7 days.
If you sweat underneath the second skin dressing, it is best to remove, clean and replace or you might experience sweat rash under the adhesive.
Replacement adhesive can be purchased from most pharmacies - ask for ‘OPSITE FLEXIGRID WATERPROOF FILM DRESSING’

Once the second skin is removed for good (10 days max) please hydrate your new tattoo with a thin layer of coconut oil, shea butter or similar twice a day for 2 weeks.

If second skin is not used, wash twice a day with just warm (not hot) water or a mild fragrance-free liquid soap, and apply a thin layer of Savlon, Bepanthen or similar from day 2 onwards. Little and often is best with hydrating - I recommend 2 -4x per day. Avoid lotions with fragrances or aloe.

Other aftercare hydration I recommend are : almond oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, mango butter, hemp oil. Remember that natural and minimal ingredients are best for fine line tattoos.

If possible, use freshly washed bedsheets, clothes, and towels during healing process.  Disposable paper towels or unscented baby wipes are great for direct contact with the tattoo when washing or drying.  

 DON'T

Do not scratch or pick. This removes ink and leads to infections!
Avoid direct sunlight. For the first two weeks try to limit sun exposure - if you know you'll be out in the sun for prolonged periods, wear a thin layer of clothing over the tattoo.  After the first two weeks, use a high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo when in the sun. Avoid tanning for at least a month
Avoid soaking in any waters (lake, ocean, bathtub, pool) for the first month, especially critical during the first two weeks.
Avoid heavy sweating in the area of your tattoo for two weeks. You can go to the gym after 2-3 days but make sure to clean the tattoo after sweating.
Do not let your tattoo stick to sheets or clothing. If stuck, soak the cloth to remove rather than ripping it off.  This is usually only a concern for the first night when it will be a bit oozy.

EXPECT

Colour and plasma may seep to the surface, especially when first removing the bandage. This is normal. Wash gently with warm water and wipe with a clean paper towel and reapply ointment or lotion.
For the next week the tattoo and area around it may be slightly swollen, red, and sore.  

Second skin adhesive may leave a friction mark around the edges of the bandage - this is normal and will fade.
If the second skin is uncomfortable, hot, itchy or your skin is unusually red underneath you may have a sensitivity to the medical grade adhesive. Remove the dressing, cleanse the skin and take an antihistamine. Reactions are rare but do happen!

Within a few days to a week, a thin scab should form evenly over the tattoo and peel like a sunburn. (Do not pick at it!)  
The colour may seem dull or uneven while the tattoo is healing.  

It should be completely healed in 4-6 weeks!  For best results, avoid sun exposure (wear SPF), and keep moisturised.  

For a detailed description of the wound healing process click here!