TATTOO CARE
BEFORE CARE AND AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
TATTOO BEFORECARE
Prepare for your next tattoo like a professional
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Moisturize: use an unscented lotion to keep the area the tattoo will be healthy. ie. Lubriderm
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Hydrate: drink plenty of water on the days leading up to your appointment.
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Don't Drink Alcohol: do not go out and drink the night before/day of your tattoo.
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Eat Up: make sure you eat a good meal before your appointment.
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Plan Aftercare: we use Recovery Derm bandages here at Ikigai Ink, we suggest to have an extra roll at home in case you need to change the bandage.
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Plan Vacation: if you are on vacation or planning one, we suggest you schedule your tattoo for after you have done what you have come to do.
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Sunblock: whether on vacation or not, make sure to use sunblock on the area/surrounding area you will be getting tattooed. We cannot tattoo on sunburn.
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Don't Shave: if you accidentally cut yourself it may prevent us from tattooing the area.
*if you notice a red itchy rash around the edge of the bandage, do not re-apply the bandage after taking it off. This is most likely a reaction to the adhesive used on the bandage. Simply continue to the After Recovery Derm step until your tattoo is fully healed.
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Recovery Derm: if there is a lot of plasma buildup the day after your tattoo, we suggest you put a fresh bandage on. 1.) Peel off the bandage slowly under running water. 2.) Wash the area with an anti-bacterial soap. 3.) Pat the area completely dry with a fresh paper towel. 4.) Apply the fresh bandage.* 5.) Leave on for the remaining time as instructed by your artist.
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After Recovery Derm: for the following two weeks after you take the bandage off. 1.) Wash the tattoo at least twice a day with anti-bacterial hand soap. 2.) Moisturize the area with an unscented, water-based lotion 1-2 times a day.
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Drinking Alcohol: do not go out and drink heavily the night of the tattoo, 1-2 drinks are okay though.
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Swimming: do not swim for the first 4 weeks of getting a fresh tattoo.
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Gym: do not go to the gym for the first week while the Recovery Derm is still on.
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The Sun: keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first 4 weeks and make sure to always use sunblock on your tattoos, even after they are fully healed.
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Scabbing: your tattoo may scab and flake for a few days after taking the bandage off. Washing and moisturizing will help alleviate this. Do Not Pick The Scabs!
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Itching: your tattoo will itch, it is a healing wound and the body's natural response.
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Ink Beetle: you will be provided with a packet of Ink Beetle to administer yourself. 1.) Wash your tattoo with anti-bacterial soap and water. 2.) Dry the area with a paper towel, and let it air dry for 10 minutes. The area must be completely and totally dry. 3.) Apply a small amount of Ink Beetle directly onto the tattoo and rub it to create a thin layer over the whole tattoo area. 4.) Let it dry completely before touching it with anything. 5.) Repeat this process every 3-12 hours until you run out of Ink Beetle, aprox. 3-4 days.
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Ink Beetle Troubleshooting: If the Ink Beetle doesn't completely dry out and remains tacky, you did not dry out the area well enough, wash off and re-apply. When applying the Ink Beetle you may feel a "heat" on the tattooed area, this is normal.
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After Ink Beetle: for the following two weeks after you run out of Ink Beetle. 1.) Wash the tattoo at least twice a day with anti-bacterial hand soap. 2.) Moisturize the area with an unscented, water-based lotion 1-2 times a day.
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Gym: do not go to the gym for the first week while the Ink Beetle is still on.