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TRUE GRIT
TATTOO CO.
Welcome Clients!
True Grit Tatttoo Co. happily supports our clients in the aftercare process involved with getting a new tattoo. As liscensed professionals proper healing of your new tattoo is highly. These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding tattooing. Your tattooist may be able to refer you to a tattoo friendly doctor.
01
After getting your new tattoo, your artist will gently wrap the newly tattooed skin with a sterile dressing before sending you home. Thorougly wash and dry your hands then carefully remove the bandage after 1-2 hours. Gently clean the area using a mild, fragrance-free soap such as Dove, Dial, or Neutrogena; gently wash all excess blood, ointment, ink, and plasma from your new tattoo. Please remember to only use your hand – DO NOT use a washcloth or loofah as they can harbor bacteria. Soaps with fragrance and alcohol will dry and burn skin. Blot tattoo with clean paper towel, not a washcoth or towel. Do not rebandage your tattoo it needs to breathe. After the skin is dried you can apply a thin film of Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
02
Wash your tattoo once or twice a day for the duration of the healing time. Too much washing can wash away your body’s natural bacteria which helps your skin to heal. Washing the tattoo in the morning and at night before you go to bed is sufficient. For the first day, the tattoo will “ooze” clear plasma. This is completely normal.
03
By the second or third day, your tattoo will start to dry out. It will start to flake like a sun burn. You will see large black and colored flakes coming off, especially in the shower. This is completely normal. DO NOT under any circumstances, pick or “help” these flakes come off. Doing so will result in the loss of line and color in your tattoo as well as cause scarring. And YES, we can tell when someone has picked at their tattoo! In addition, DO NOT wear tight clothing that may rub the tattoo.
04
When your tattoo starts to flake and peel, you may then start using 1 or 2 drops of fragrance-free hand lotion. Keri, and Curel are both good choices. Rub the lotion in completely or blot excess off with a paper towel. If you unsure if the lotion you have at home will work, read the label. If alcohol is near the top of the list of ingredients, then DO NOT USE IT. You may also do a spot test if you are unsure. Rub just a small drop into a small section of the tattoo. If it starts to burn or sting in a couple of minutes, then wash it off immediately and discontinue using it.
05
Continue to use the above steps until your tattoo is completely healed. Healing time varies with each individual and the area that was tattooed. Generally, tattoos are fully healed in two to three weeks.
During the healing process, DO NOT use anything on your tattoo that you wouldn’t use on any other wound or abrasion. This includes oils, glitter, sun block, etc.
If you have special circumstances that require you to alter our advised healing method, please ask the artist or staff. An example would be someone that works in an industry where their fresh tattoo might be exposed to dirt, germs, etc. while it is healing.
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