What to expect on your tattoo journey
Preparation
The tattoo process goes faster and cleaner, and your skin will receive the ink more smoothly, when care is taken to prepare your skin beforehand.
Starting up to 2 weeks before your appointment, moisturise the area of the tattoo twice a day and try to avoid sun on the area being tattooed.
It will also be beneficial to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week and on the day of your appointment.
For a week before your appointment, we recommend you drink 2 - 3 litres of water per day.
On the day of your tattoo, come in well-rested and try to avoid caffeinated beverages, instead focusing on staying hydrated. Avoid alcohol.
Have a meal 2 - 3 hours before your appointment and bring some sugary snacks, a water bottle and headphones/pillow/blanket if you desire.
Be sure to always have clean hands when touching your tattoo.
Aftercare
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A couple of hours after receiving your new tattoo, and when in a hygienic environment, it will be time to remove your wrap.
Remove the wrap being careful not to splatter any fluids that might have collected.
Gently wash the tattoo with natural soap and warm water and gently dab it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Moisturise with a thin layer of natural healing balm such as kawakawa, papaya or other. Use a clean finger.
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Before bed, clean and moisturise the tattoo and wrap it gently with plastic wrap. This will help prevent the tattoo from sticking to the bed sheets and becoming infected.
If you find you become hot and sweaty throughout the night, it might be good to change the dressing and wash and moisturise again, and wrap with fresh plastic wrap.
After the first night, it is normal for blood, ink and plasma to have seeped out and collected in the plastic wrap.
Depending on the size of your tattoo and personal preference, it might be a good idea to continue to wrap your tattoo at night for the first 3 nights.
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For the first 3-4 days, take extra care of your tattoo, the better care you can give it during this initial period, the quicker the healing time will be.
Wash and moisturise the area every 3-4 hours.
You may want to still wrap your tattoo at night, depending on the size and placement of your tattoo.
Continue to moisturise your tattoo for the next 2-3 weeks until fully healed.
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For the first 2 weeks
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight - Sunburn will be very painful and complicate the healing process
No swimming, saunas, or bathing; showers are fine, but do not soak your tattoo in water of any kind. This can increase the risk of either ink falling out or allowing infection in.
If your tattoo is on your hands or lower arms, it would be a good idea to avoid doing the dishes.
Avoid heavy exercise and tight clothing that might stick to the tattoo and cause irritation.
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Your tattoo may take up to one month to fully settle into the skin and for the skin to return to full health.
If touch ups are needed, please allow a month for this full healing process and then contact us as needed.
If you have any questions, please email us at lastporttattoo@outlook.com or call us on 035394508
We are grateful for your trust and hope you enjoy your new tattoo.
