Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Thank you for trusting us with your tattoo.
Please read these instructions carefully and follow the section that applies to you, depending on the type of bandage used at the end of your tattoo session.

1. If a pad was applied after your tattoo

If your artist applied a regular pad or absorbent bandage at the end of your tattoo session, please follow these steps:

The first evening

Remove the pad the same evening, once you are home.

Wash your tattoo in the shower with clean hands, warm water, and mild unscented soap. Gently wash the tattoo to remove blood, plasma, ink, and any extra fluid.

After washing, dry the tattoo by gently tapping it with clean paper towel. Do not use a bath towel during the first few days, as it can carry bacteria or leave fibers on the tattoo.

Let the tattoo air dry for about 5 minutes.

After that, apply a clean new pad over the tattoo for the night.

The next day

The next morning, remove the pad and wash the tattoo again with clean hands, warm water, and mild unscented soap.

Dry it gently with paper towel and then leave the tattoo open to the air. Do not cover it again unless your artist specifically told you to.

During the first few days

Wash your tattoo 2 to 3 times per day.

For the first 3 days, always dry the tattoo with clean paper towel. After 3 days, you may use a clean bath towel, but be gentle and do not rub the tattoo.

Do not apply moisturizer for at least 3 days after the tattoo.

The tattoo needs to dry for a few days before you start applying cream. Moisturizer does not heal the tattoo faster. It only helps keep the skin flexible during the healing process and helps prevent cracking.

Applying moisturizer too early can cause healing problems. Let the tattoo dry properly first.

2. If second skin was applied after your tattoo

If your artist applied second skin at the end of your tattoo session, please leave it on for at least 6 days.

It is important to keep it in place and not remove it too early, unless your artist told you otherwise or if there is a problem with the bandage.

After 6 days, remove the second skin gently.

The best way to remove it is under a warm shower. Warm water will help loosen the adhesive and make the removal easier.

Take your time. Do not rip it off quickly. Removing second skin can take a little while, so be patient and gentle with your skin.

Once the second skin is fully removed, wash the tattoo with clean hands, warm water, and mild unscented soap.

Dry it gently with paper towel.

You can start moisturizing right after the second skin has been removed.

Moisturizing and healing

Your tattoo heals naturally through your body’s own healing process.

Cream or moisturizer does not make the tattoo heal faster. Its only purpose is to keep the skin flexible while it is healing, and to help prevent the tattooed skin from cracking.

Not enough moisture can cause the skin to become too dry and crack.

Too much moisture can also cause problems, such as poor healing, irritation, or small pimples.

Only moisturize when the tattoo looks or feels dry. Apply a very thin layer, the same way you would moisturize your face. The skin should not feel greasy or heavy after applying cream.

Always wash the tattoo before applying moisturizer.

What is normal

It is normal for your tattoo to still feel sensitive or slightly painful the next day.

It is also normal to have some swelling. Sometimes, fluid retention can happen under or around the tattooed area. This is very common on lower parts of the arms or legs, such as the wrist, ankle, elbow, or knee.

The swelling can move down the next day into the hand or foot. It can sometimes look impressive, but it is usually not a reason to worry. It should go down within 2 to 3 days.

When to contact us

Please contact us if:

The swelling feels abnormally painful.

The skin around the tattoo, including areas that were not tattooed, is still very red and painful after 24 to 48 hours.

There is pus or unusual discharge coming from the tattoo.

If this happens, stop applying moisturizer. Wash the tattoo with mild soap and send us a clear photo by email or Instagram. We will let you know what to do next.

Questions

We are always here if you have any questions or doubts during the healing process.

You can contact us by email:
lamanigancetoronto@gmail.com

Or by phone:
+1-647-274-6957