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Tattoo Aftercare

1. Follow Artist’s Instructions

  • Your artist’s advice is tailored to your tattoo & skin — follow it exactly.

2. Stay Healthy

  • Drink plenty of water & eat balanced meals to promote healing.

3. Be Patient

  • Tattoos usually take 4–6 weeks to fully heal.
  • Healing varies from person to person.

4. Watch for Problems

  • Contact your artist or a healthcare provider if you see:
  • Signs of infection
  • Intense pain/swelling
  • Excessive bleeding or oozing

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🚫 Avoid These Risks

  • Sunlight/Tanning beds – Use SPF if unavoidable.
  • Soaking – No pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, rivers (2 weeks).
  • Heavy sweating – Avoid intense workouts.
  • Scratching/peeling – Let flakes fall naturally.
  • Tight clothing – Wear loose fabrics.
  • Pets – Keep tattoo away from pet hair/dander.
  • Too much lotion – Moisturize lightly; don’t clog pores.

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🧼 Washing Your Tattoo

  1. Wash hands first.
  2. Gently wash tattoo by hand with lukewarm water + antibacterial soap.
  3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel (don’t rub).
  4. Apply thin layer of fragrance-free lotion (Aquaphor, Aveeno, Curel, CeraVe, Eucerin).
  5. Avoid petroleum-based products (Vaseline, Neosporin, Bag Balm).
  6.  Running water is fine — soaking is not.

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📦 Using Second Skin (if applied)

  • Keep on for 24–48 hrs (ideally 4–5 days), but never more than 7 days.
  • Fluid under wrap is normal.
  • If wrap peels, trim/secure with medical tape.
  • If wrap punctures or comes loose, remove it immediately and follow regular washing steps.