HOW TO LOOK AFTER A NEW TATTOO

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1. Remove bandage in a CLEAN bathroom after 2-3 hours. Bandage may be left on overnight if it feels comfortable and secure. If the bandage is removed on the first night, the tattoo may stick to or stain bed sheets. Maintain clean bedding throughout the healing process (about 2 weeks).

2. After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and soap. We recommend fragrance free anti-bacterial soap.

3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on a fresh tattoo.

4. Once the tattoo is dry, apply your tattoo healing ointment (we recommend Inky Tattoo Salve - available in store). Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use this ointment for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion.

5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin, moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being sloughed from the surface of the skin.

6. Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo.  Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten days of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dries out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne-like break outs. This can be taken care of by reducing the number of lotion applications per day.

7. Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. The tattoo won't need to be re-bandaged except in certain, rare instances. A bra strap, tight waistband, sweaty gym shoe or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems. Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid. 

8. After a few days, the tattoo may begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturised and the scabs will fall off naturally eventually. It normally takes 2 - 4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact us on (07) 3706 8768. Please do not consult your friends about healing issues, as everyone’s experience is unique. Our artists are more than happy to help with any concerns you might have.

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PROCESS FOR WASHING A FRESH TATTOO

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1. Carefully remove the bandage and tape

2. Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water

3. Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood and lymphatic fluid are removed

4. Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, gently, until the skin is clean

5. A hair dryer on the ‘cool’ setting may be used and a clean paper towel may also be used to dab the tattoo dry

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