Aftercare
Thank you for taking care of your tattoo!
Here are some basic outlines on how to best treat your new ink. Keep in mind that everyone heals differently, so if your timeline or needs vary slightly, don’t worry!
Nest Art Collective is licensed by Jefferson County Public Health
I, as your artist, carry all applicable permits, licenses, and training as required by the Jefferson County Health Department. If you receive a tattoo from me, it will be done under sanitary conditions, using the best sterilization techniques, quality equipment and disposables, and best tattoo pigments. The chance of infection or damaged to your tattoo is minimal if these aftercare instructions are followed correctly. Please contact me and/or your physician if you experience any unreasonable discomfort that causes you concern.
Tips:
Make sure to always wash your hands before touching your tattoo! This is one of the easiest ways to avoid infection or complications in the healing process.
Please reach out to your artist if you haven’t been fully informed of the inherent risks associated with getting a tattoo (including but not limited to: scarring, infection, difficulty in detecting melanoma, allergic reactions from pigment, latex gloves, ointments/lotions/soap/etc.)
I will typically apply a standard, non-adhesive bandage to your tattoo. Try to keep the bandage on for at least 3 hours and at most 12 hours. If your appointment is in the evening, leaving your bandage on overnight is highly recommended to avoid contamination from sheets/clothes/pets and irritation.
When you’re ready to remove the covering, gently clean until your tattoo area is no longer slippery. Moisturize with your choice of product (see below) and do not wrap again. If you know you will be in the sun, dirt, or other damaging environments, a snug, soft cloth will help protect it while still allowing it to breathe. This can be a long-sleeved shirt, pants, leggings, a handkerchief, or even a sock with the toe cut off. You should do the standard wash-dry-moisturize routine as soon as you are back in your clean and shaded area and can remove the covering.
Average healing time: 2-3 weeks
Follow these care instructions for at least 2 weeks. If your tattoo does not look sealed or healed by then, continue the procedures until it is finished healing.
Cleaning: Wash 2-3 times a day
Liquid Antibacterial soap is your best cleaning agent. Scented soap and bar soap can cause reactions and dryness that may cause your tattoo to fade or heal incorrectly. Extra sensitive skin? Test any product on a small area first, away from the tattooed area, and stop at any sign of irritation.
Do not scrub your tattoo. Using a washcloth, loofa, or other scrubbing agents can cause your ink to pull out, and possible scarring to occur. A gentle hand rubbing with soap and warm water until it is clean will avoid this.
Air dry or use a clean paper towel to dry. This avoids putting germs found in used towels and washcloths right on your freshly clean tattoo. Alternatively, ensure your towel is cleaned every single time you use it.
Cleaning 2-3 times a day is at your discretion. My recommendation is to clean your tattoo when you wake up and before you go to bed. If you get your tattoo dirty or feel that it needs extra cleaning, it will not hurt to clean it more. Just be sure to moisturize afterward to avoid overdrying.
Moisturizing: Apply 2-3 times a day
Unscented lotion, ointment, or oil applied at least after each washing is crucial to your healing process. Without it, overdrying, peeling, cracking, and other unwanted damage can occur.
I recommend a gentle, unscented lotion like a Lubriderm, Cetaphil, or Cerave. Aquaphor, A&D, or other petroleum-based ointments are also okay to use but it’s very easy to over-moisturize with these so please take care to only apply a very thin layer.
Gently apply your moisturizer with clean hands. Apply when the tattoo has just been cleaned and dried, or if it is itchy, dry, or peeling for relief.
Your moisturizer should not be thick, goopy, or wet. A very little bit of shine is all you should see when the ointment is correctly applied. A little goes a very long way.
What not to do (for at least 2 weeks or until tattoo is fully healed:
Don’t touch public or soiled surfaces with your tattoo. This includes gym equipment, seats, walls, cars, your pets, used bed sheets, etc. If you do bump an unclean surface, wash your tattoo right away.
Do not go into standing water. This includes pools, hot tubs, bubble baths, lakes, oceans, puddles, etc. If you get splashed by any of these, wash your tattoo right away. Showering is okay, but try to avoid extended time with the tattoo directly under the water and be sure to rinse off any shampoo or body wash that may have ended up on the tattooed area.
Do not expose your tattoo to sunlight. Sunscreen should also be avoided for the first two weeks, as it isn’t meant to be absorbed into the lower levels of your skin. Covering your tattoo is your best option until it is healed.
Do not expose your tattoo to chemicals and harsh ingredients which may damage the tattoo and reduce its longevity.
We do not claim to be physicians. Please call your physician at the slightest sign of infection. If you see any signs of infection, such as fever, yellowish/green liquid/pus discharge, excessive swelling or other abnormalities, please contact a physician for proper care.