Adhesive Bandage; Unwrap the tattoo 5 to 7 days after the appointment. With the adhesive bandage, pull downward from the top corners while rinsing the piece under warm running water. Wash with a plain bar of soap. (Something organic or vegan works best; Nature's Aid also carries a line of amazing soaps!) Use your hands to wash the tattoo rather than a cloth or sponge since it may carry bacteria. Rinse your tattoo, and either air dry, or pat it dry with a paper towel.

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(Tip to remove the bandage; Under running water, pull the bandage down a couple of inches, and melt some coconut oil behind it as you pull. Do this a few times to reduce irritation in the removal process.) If excess adhesive is left behind, you can also use coconut oil to remove it! Apply the oil to the areas with excess residue, very lightly and in a circular motion, rub the area. The adhesive should start to clump, and you should then be able to carefully remove those small pieces.

(Allergy Alert! We have been seeing an increasing number of allergic reactions to the acrylic, an adhering compound, in the 'second skin' bandage. If you start to notice a red rash or small bumps developing around the edges of your adhesive bandage, please remove it immediately. Do the best you can to remove any excess residue and wash the area. Apply Nature's Aid to the tattoo, and contact your artist to notify them of the issue.)

Absorbent Pad/Gauze; Unwrap the tattoo 2 to 3 days after the appointment. Rinse off the piece with warm running water, and wash with a plain bar of soap. (Something organic or vegan works best; Nature's Aid also carries a line of amazing soaps!) Use your hands to wash the tattoo, rather than a cloth or sponge since it may carry bacteria. Rinse your tattoo, and either air dry, or pat it dry with a paper towel. After the wash, apply a thin layer of Nature's Aid, and once dry, re-wrap the piece with a light layer of breathable gauze to offer the healing skin another layer of protection. Leave this layer on until your next shower.

When it starts to heal, it's going to crack, peel, feel tight, and itchy. This is normal! Never pick or scratch anything on the tattoo (if it's that itchy, just slap it if you have too), when everything flakes off, what's left behind is your tattoo. If there are any breaks or discoloration after healing, you have a year to come back in for a free touch up; anything after that will be a $50 flat charge.

Things to Avoid​

Don't submerge your healing tattoo within water for too long. So avoid taking baths/ hot tubs, swimming, even doing dishes in deep basins.

Fresh tattoos are very sensitive to the sun as well, so within the first few days of healing, cover up as best you can. If you are out in the sun after unwrapping your piece, please use a lighter sunscreen (nothing too thick or greasy so your skin can continue to breathe), or use even a moisturizer containing SPF.

If you have pets that share your bed with you, their dander/ fur may cause infection/ irritation. It may be red, and a little more itchy. If so, you need to either wrap your piece for the first couple of nights (the bandage given appointment day would cover this for you), or change your sheets frequently. 

If they jump onto a fresh piece, just give it a rinse.

Most tattoos take between 3 to 4 weeks to heal (depending on size and placement of course), but everyone heals at different speeds. Any questions or concerns about your tattoo, you can always send the team an email;

metsatattoo@hotmail.com

Recommended Aftercare​

Nature's Aid; 'This all-natural product can be used to help with a wide assortment of skin conditions and their related symptoms, NATURALLY.

'When we say Nature’s Aid skin gel is an all-purpose product, we really mean it. You can use the gel from head to toe for a wide range of conditions. We use it for everything from scalp treatment to face toner, body moisturizer and wound healer, and even for fungal infections on the feet. The more you use the gel, the more uses and benefits you'll discover.'

Made with aloe vera, tea tree, witch hazel, rosemary and vitamin E;

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Offers effective treatment of most skin conditions

Soothes and moisturizes skin naturally

Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free

Free from parabens, GMOs, sulfates and other harsh chemicals

Ideal for first aid, skin care and beauty care

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