Proper aftercare for your tattoo is important for both your health, and for the tattoo to look great once fully healed.
At our shop
After your tattoo is complete, we’ll wash, apply ointment, then wrap your tattoo with a clear wrap. Keep this wrap on for a few hours at least, be sure to remove it by 24 hours.
Caring for your fresh tattoo
When removing the initial wrap, do so in a sterile / clean environment.
Be sure your hands are clean before cleaning your tattoo.
Proceed to gently wash the tattoo with a non-fragrant, mild soap, lathering the soap in your hands, and using a gentle circular motion until all the ointment, and any body secretion is removed.
For tattoos on the back we suggest recruiting someone to help you with the cleaning.
Only use your hands, and be gentle and patient while cleaning your tattoo.
Let the tattoo air dry, or use a clean paper towel and dab the tattoo dry.
Apply a thin layer of non-fragrant healing lotion. We recommend AQUAPHOR by Eucerin, or Tattoo Goo.
Wear clothing that is comfortable, clean, and loose fitting while your tattoo heals.
Apply the lotion / ointment a few times a day to a clean tattoo. Rewash tattoo gently if necessary.
Next 10 days to 3 weeks
Repeat the above process.
During this time you might see some ink ooze out of your fresh tattoo. Don’t worry, just dab it with clean paper towel. Be gentle when dabbing the tattoo.
You want to avoid scabbing and scarring on the tattoo site, so gentle repetition the above steps 1-7 will be important to for your skin’s health and tattoo aesthetic.
Here in Okinawa it gets hot and we have a lot of UV rays so try to have your tattoo protected from the sun during this time as well.
If you feel a pain or feel your tattoo has gotten infected call a doctor and get an appointment immediately.
After a few days, the tattoo may begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. Do not pick on your tattoo, itch it, or go into pools or the ocean during this time either. Just keep the tattoo site moisturized and clean.
Final care of your tattoo
It may take 10 days to a month for your tattoo to fully heal. Keep in mind that areas that get a lot of movement (e.g. elbows), or are exposed to friction or bacteria (feet) may take a little longer to heal. Each individual is different, and healing times may vary.
Once you feel that your skin has healed, there is no more flaking, or oozing, you can switch to a non-fragrant lotion and keep your tattoo moisturized.
