Aftercare

These are our general aftercare instructions for healing tattoos. Your Artist’s recommendations may vary slightly based on your specific needs.

STEP 1: Remove the adhesive bandage

We recommend soaking the area with lukewarm water while showering to loosen the bandage before removal. Pull the bandage downward, NOT outward; the bandage will stretch, so pulling downward will be more effective. Remove the entire bandage and discard.

STEP 2: Clean

Wash hands first with an unscented/undyed, anti-bacterial liquid or foam soap, then lather the soap over the entire previously wrapped area. Clean the area thoroughly using your hands only; do not use a rag or towel to wash as they can be abrasive to healing skin and may be contaminated. Gently remove all blood, sweat, and plasma to prevent scabbing. Gently rinse away all excess soap and repeat washing until no visibly glossy areas remain. A spotless tattoo is key to healing quickly and well; clean 4-5 times daily or whenever compromised. If cleaned properly, the tattoo will peel like a sunburn within 24 hours.

STEP 3: Moisturize and protect

We recommend using an unscented/undyed hypoallergenic lotion or your artist’s preferred moisturizer, WIP Butter, for your tattoo. Apply sparingly, only using enough to cover the tattoo area. Reapply to the area as needed to prevent dryness and cracking; moisturizing will soothe the skin and ease any itchiness. It is common for pores to become clogged and irritated forming sweat bumps, most frequently on the parts of your body that bend or crease.

We also recommend keeping your tattoo out of direct sunlight or covering it with loose fitting clothing to protect it when that is not possible. Once the tattoo is healed, you should continue to protect it from direct sunlight for longevity by applying sunscreen and/or keeping it covered.

STEP 4: Repeat

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for 2 weeks or until the tattoo is completely healed.

DOs

  • Follow these instructions carefully
  • Re-bandage, if instructed by your artist
  • Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight during and after healing
  • Wear loose fitting clothing or inside-out socks to prevent adhering to healing tattoo
  • Contact your artist if you have any questions or your bandage is compromised
  • Contact a physician if any signs of infection occur

DON’Ts

  • Do NOT pick or scratch at your healing tattoo
  • Do NOT soak your tattoo
  • Do NOT go swimming or hot tubbing while healing
  • Do NOT go tanning
  • Do NOT use Neosporin or any other ointments on your tattoo
  • Do NOT wrap your tattoo with saran wrap
  • Do NOT wear tight fitting clothes or shoes that will rub on the healing tattoo
  • Do NOT take a friend’s advice on healing your tattoo

Signs of Infection

  • Increased redness
  • Increased swelling
  • Increased pain/tenderness
  • Oozing pus or oddly-colored discharge

Non-Indicators of Infection

  • Plasma on your tattoo or in your bandage
  • Blood on your tattoo or in your bandage
  • Ink on your tattoo or in your bandage

WIP Butter

What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it, which is why we’ve created WIP Butter with you and your tattoos in mind. WIP is hand made in house in small batches with 100% organic, fair trade ingredients to create an ethical product that is more consistent and better for your body. Whether you’re an artist seeking something to use on clients while tattooing, a client looking for a moisturizer for healed or healing tattoos,
or simply someone who prefers to use the best ingredients nature has to offer, we’ve got you covered with WIP Butter.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Lemongrass Oil, and Tea Tree Oil

Available for purchase at INK Tattoo Studio or on our Etsy shop!

Disclaimer: We strive to maintain a consistent product, but due to the nature of organic ingredients and the lack of harmful preservatives in our recipe, shelf life may vary. Please discontinue use immediately if the product seems strange or different than usual in appearance, consistency, scent, or otherwise. In the unlikely event this happens, please contact us right away for assistance and a FREE replacement– just send us a photo of the product received, a copy of your receipt, and a description of the problem you’re experiencing to inkstudiodbq@gmail.com.