Tattoos 101: The healing process
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEW TATTOO
1) FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
Your artist will give you instructions on how to heal your new tattoo and with what products. FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS and do not deviate. Using products and methods other than what your artist prescribes may void any touch-up policies offered.
2) DON’T PANIC Tattoos very often look HORRIBLE during the healing process. You will see peeling skin, scabbing, cloudy/pinkish fresh skin growing over, and some spots may appear to have little or no ink. Leave these spots alone!!! Follow your artist’s instructions and let these rough spots slough off naturally.
3) IGNORE THE ADVICE OF FRIENDS
Remember that WE are the experts. WE have seen thousands upon thousands of tattoos. Having prison tatts does not make your cousin Bobby an expert on your tattoo. Just because Cousin Bobby tells you to use nothing but Vasoline on your tattoos, like he did in ‘the joint’, doesn’t mean you listen to him.
4) COMMUNICATE If Cousin Bobby telling you he thinks your tattoo is infected does get you concerned, visit your artist right away. Your artist knows the difference between an infected tattoo and one that is healing normally. But beware – your artist also knows what it looks like if you’ve been picking and scratching your tattoo! 5) HAVE PATIENCE The healing process typically takes about 2 - 3 weeks, but it can take longer for those with various medical issues like diabetes, eczema, sensitivities to dyes and soaps, etc. Be honest when filling out the medical questions on the consent form we give you so we can properly advise you what to expect.
