COWBOYS TATTOO
TATTOO AFTRECARE
Remove bandage in 2 to 5 hours. Gently wash any ointment off tattoo. Rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Always make sure to wash your hands before. Wash the tattoo daily with a liquid antibacterial soap. Apply a thin coat of A&D ointment or Aquaphor ointment. Apply until tattoo is thinly covered, blotting off any excess. This should be done twice daily for 5 days.
After 5 days, use a quality unscented lotion, such as Lubriderm or Curel, the same way you had used the A&D ointment.
Do not expose the tattoo to the sun, chlorinated, fresh or salt water for at least two weeks.
Even after complete healing, exposure to sun with out the use of sunblock will lessen the colors and life of the tattoo.
The tattoo may form a scab while healing, do not pick at them. This can pull the ink out of an unhealed tattoo. Do not soak the tattoo in the shower or bath, this can cause the scabs to fall off as well.
RECOVERY DERMSHIELD
● When you leave the shop, you will have a piece of Derm Shield protecting your tattoo, and you will be given a second sheet to take home with you. You’ll notice that fluid will gather underneath of your bandage during the first 24 hours; this is a mix of plasma, ink, and a minimal amount of blood, and is completely normal.
● Approximately 24 hours after the completion of your tattoo, you will change the bandage. To do so, please follow the below instructions:
● Wash your hands, and gently peel off the existing Derm Shield. Wash the tattoo with gentle soap, and warm water. We recommend using the Recovery soap we sell in store because it leaves little residue (which can cause irritation under the bandage) all while meeting the requirements for safe tattoo healing. If using a different soap, please opt for something that is non-scented and non-dyed. Once you clean your tattoo, make sure all the soap has been rinsed, then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use a bath towel or cloth as this can leave bacteria or fibers on your fresh tattoo. The area must be completely dry, with no ointments or lotions. Peel the provided Derm Shield, as shown at your appointment, and adhere it to your tattoo. As a friend reminder, you must peel the white plastic sections off first then apply it adhesive side down with the plus signs facing upwards. If needed, have a friend help. Leave the second piece of bandage on for 4 to 5 days. After that time, gently and slowly peel off the Derm Shield. If needed, you can do this in the shower, and it will help it peel off more easily. From here, you can apply lotion when needed, and enjoy your tattoo! Please notify your artist if you have an allergy to adhesives - if so, Derm Shield is NOT recommended for you.
*For some smaller tattoos, changing the Derm Shield that was placed the day of your appointment is not necessary and you may keep it on for 4 days.*
PIERCING AFTERCARE
Clean the piercing daily: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercings. Use a pressurized, sterile saline solution on your piercing twice a day, drying with a paper towel or letting it air dry after cleaning. Avoid soap, alcohol, and peroxide: These substances can be harsh and can irritate the piercing, delaying the healing process.
Avoid touching the piercing: Touching the piercing can introduce bacteria into the wound and increase the risk of infection. Avoid rotating the jewlelry regularly. Do not pick away dried discharge with your finger.
Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, and lakes: Chlorine and other chemicals in pools and hot tubs can irritate the piercing. Bacteria in lakes and other bodies of water can also increase the risk of infection.
Avoid sleeping on the piercing: Sleeping on the piercing can cause friction and irritation. Try sleeping on your back or wearing a protective earring pad to minimize contact with the piercing.
Avoid removing the jewelry: The jewelry helps to keep the piercing open and allows for proper healing. If the jewelry needs to be removed, seek assistance from a professional piercer.
Avoid using makeup, hairspray, and lotions near the piercing: These products can contain chemicals that can irritate the piercing.