Hi! I have pasted below the aftercare instructions that I get from the shop where I am tattooed at. Good luck and congrats!!!
After the tattoo procedure, you will experience some soreness. The tattooed area may become a bit swollen or bruised. It may also continue weeping serous fluid (white blood cells and lymphatic discharge) for some hours, or even a couple of days. This is not pus. It is your body’s natural reaction to receiving a wound, which, in a controlled way, is what you will have done.
After the tattoo procedure, leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours. Immediately after removing the bandage, wash the tattoo (with clean hands) with very warm soapy water. We recommend using a mild anti-bacterial liquid soap, such as DIAL ANTI-BACTERIAL LIQUID SOAP. Rinse well, let it air dry.
Apply a small amount of a fragrance and aloe free lotion. Raven Ink recommends a high quality lotion, such as Aquaphor. Very gently apply a small amount of the lotion to the tattoo, being very careful to not disturb any scabbing that might occur. Use a very minimal amount in the first few days. A thin layer will be perfect.
You should never let your tattoo become so dry that it cracks and bleeds.
For the next 2 to 4 weeks, shower only. You need to clean your tattoo a couple times a day, one of which can be in the shower. Make your showers quick.
All other bodies of water need to be avoided. Such as: bathtubs, saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, rivers, oceans, etc. Even sweating a lot without prompt cleaning can cause problems.
Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for the first 4 weeks, even for the life of your tattoo. When your tattoo is healed and you go out into the sun, Raven Ink recommends that you apply a high SPF sun block on your tattoo. Your tattoo will fade with time, that is natural, but be aware that UV rays will shorten the life of your tattoo considerably. Again, tanning beds need to be avoided for at least 4 weeks after getting tattooed.
When ever possible, wear loose, airy clothing over your new tattoo until it has had time to heal. Constant rubbing will wear off scabs prematurely and case color or line loss.
THINGS TO AVOID DURING THE HEALING PROCESS:
-NEVER touch your tattoo with dirty hands. Always wash your hands before and after cleaning or applying lotion to you tattoo.
-No baths. No swimming. No hot tubbing. No saunas or tanning beds.
-Do not take long showers…Make them quick.
-Do not scratch or pick at the scabs.(If you get any)
-No oral contact. This goes for dogs and cats (mostly) They see it as an open wound, they want to help. Do not let them.
-Do not expose to direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight will fade your tattoo, even after the healing process. Sunscreen will help to prevent fading.
