Pine & Spur Tattoo

Pine + Spur Tattoo Aftercare

Congrats on your new tattoo!

It’s easy to ruin or fade your new tattoo if you do not care for it properly. The size, intricacy and sometimes placement like hands, fingers or feet, healing of your tattoo will determine how long its healing process will take.

From the moment your tattoo is applied, the healing process begins. Within the first 24 hours, you’ll notice a range of possible changes. You may see strange-looking fluid oozing from the bandage or tattoo – this is your blood plasma and some extra tattoo ink. Your skin will also usually be red and sore. It might feel slightly warm to the touch. These are all good, normal reactions. It’s worth noting that some people barely have reactions, too. Some people won’t stay red, and their ink will seem to heal right up. That’s okay, too, and after your first session or two, you should have a pretty good idea of how you specifically react.

Remove bandage as directed by artist. When you remove your bandage, please wash and thoroughly clean your hands with antibacterial soap, and dry them before you take it off.

To remove bandage: Locate an edge of the bandage where you can easily start peeling.
Slow and gradual: Peel back the bandage slowly, pulling it back across the skin, not straight up.
Pull in the direction of hair growth: This helps prevent irritation and discomfort.
Hold skin taut: This helps to release the adhesive and minimize pulling on the tattoo.

Wash your Tattoo

Use fragrance-free, antibacterial soap to wash the area with lukewarm water and pat it dry. Do not scrub the skin or rub it dry. Remember to wash your tattoo with a light touch when first removing your wrap or bandage. The area will be sensitive, even if you’re a quick healer and experience minimal discomfort.

There’s a reason to use lukewarm water when washing. If the water is too hot, you may cause further irritation, while ice-cold water may cause the skin to retract and slow the healing. Stick with unscented antibacterial soap and avoid harsher formulations or soap bars with exfoliating properties.

Do not use a washcloth to dry your tattoo, as they can harbor bacteria. Instead, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.

After cleaning your tattoo, using a moisturizer is a crucial step in tattoo aftercare. Keeping the area moist will protect it from cracking, drying, and bleeding. Use a moisture-sealing product two to three times daily (every eight to 10 hours) until the scabs have fully healed.

Avoid using products with petroleum jelly in the ingredients list. These products can damage your newly acquired tattoo and disrupt the natural healing process. Tattoo lotions or creams containing harsh perfumes and chemicals can also cause damage to the skin and affect the healing process. I recommend Miss Pillsbury aftercare. ( provided in your after care package) it’s CRUELTY FREE - PETROLEUM FREE - VEGAN FRIENDLY! Apply a thin layer, don’t over do it :)

Don’t overdo the moisturizer either, or your tattoo won’t be able to breathe.

When your tattoo is clean and hydrated, you’re set. Do not re-bandage. Re-bandaging can cause the open wound to stay too wet and increase the risk of infection. The only time you’ll need to bandage is for short-term protection, like if you are going somewhere particularly dirty or expect friction to threaten your tattoo.

When tattoo begins to stop flaking or peeling, you can switch to a gentle, fragrance-free lotion.

Daily moisturizing:
Moisturize the tattoo daily for the 2-4 week period.

Things to know:

Simple basic guideline break down -
If using second skin keep on 1-3 days
Days 3-7 days: aftercare routine.
After day 7 can switch to unscented moisturizer.
Again based on the size location healing times can differ.

Do Not Expose Your new tattoo to the Sun

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first two to four weeks. Your fresh wound makes your skin extra sensitive to UV rays, so no tanning!

Avoid Strenuous Activity or Workouts

New tattoos are open wounds that can be vulnerable to infection and other damage. Working out can expose the area to bacteria from sweat and gym equipment. You could also overstretch the healing skin and tear scabs with various exercises. Gym and workout clothes could cause rubbing and chaffing to the skin, which could cause more trauma to the area. I suggest to wait 48 hours before doing light physical activity.

Avoid Tight Clothing in tattooed area.

Leave Your Scabs Alone, don’t pick or scratch.

No pools or jacuzzi recommended 2-4 weeks (But Don’t Forget To Shower)
If bandage is on it is waterproof for shower*

Avoid Drinking Alcohol for a Few Days

Don’t Shave the Tattooed area.

What Are the Signs of an Infected Tattoo?

A rash or hot raised skin on and around the tattoo
Swelling (this is normal to an extent but if it worsens over time or isn’t helped by ice, consult your doctor)
Fever
Increased pain (pain is normal, but if it gets worse and worse without relief, it could be an infection
Chills and sweats
Pus or discharge coming from the wound
You should see a doctor if these symptoms last more than a week. While swelling and discomfort are normal, they should be considered abnormal if they worsen or persist for a long period.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.