FAYE BASRAVI TATTOOS

CARING FOR YOUR TATTOO

It seems like every artist and tattoo owner has their own ritual for taking care of their work. This makes total sense, because there are as many types of skin as there are people. At the end of the day, you know your skin and should be able to trust your instincts when it comes to caring for a tattoo. Below I have outlined the basics for cleanliness (to avoid infection) and care (to make sure you aren't soaking or scratching your new art right off your skin!) 
If using ULTRADERM, SANIDERM, TATUDERM - any "second skin" bandage:
​After 1-2 days, gently remove the bandage towards the end of a warm shower. This will give the glue a chance to soften a bit. Rinse tattoo gently with warm water and pat the tattoo dry with a soft clean cloth. *NOTE* the tattoo may seep ink/fluid under the bandage, which is perfectly normal and part of the healing process.

If using saran wrap bandage:
Remove the wrap after 2-4 hours, wash with warm water and pat dry with clean towel. No ointment or lotion for 48 hours, or for however long it takes for the skin to start tightening, drying out, and feeling uncomfortable (if your skin is on the drier side, you probably won't make it 48 hours).
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Cover the tattoo with a very thin layer of Tattoo Goo (my personal favourite, available at Shoppers Drug Mart) or other gentle, unscented lotion. If your skin is shiny afterwards, you've used too much! Don't suffocate your tattoo.
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DO NOT use Vaseline, petroleum jelly or products that contain Aloe Vera.
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If you are going to a public place in the week following your tattoo appointment, make sure the tattoo is covered by loose, clean clothing so it doesn’t get contaminated.
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Keep hands clean every time you touch your new tattoo.
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Wash/rinse the tattoo at least once a day for the first week. Apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment 1-3 times a day during the healing process (approximately 3 weeks), especially when you feel the tattoo is dry or itchy. Make sure your hands are clean each time you rub lotion on it. The introduction of bacteria or dirt may cause the tattoo to become infected.
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Do not submerge your tattoo in water for two to three weeks after getting your tattoo. No swimming, soaking in a hot tub or bathtub. Chemicals like chlorine and the bacteria found in most lakes will cause the tattoo to fade and/or an infection. Soaking the tattoo will also cause the scab to come off faster, and along with it, some of the ink.
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Do not work out or do any activity that may cause you to sweat a lot while your bandage is still on. Sweat gets trapped under the bandage and can cause an infection. Once you resume activities make sure to properly clean tattoo soon after the activity. 
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**Sunlight will fade the ink.** Keep tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks after tattooing. After the tattoo has healed, you can lie in the sun or a tanning bed as long as you put a layer of at least SPF 25 over the tattoo. Note: the sun is the fastest thing to fade your tattoo. I've heard that it takes about 3 months for your tattoo to be less prone to fading from UV rays. Err on the side of caution here.
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Your tattoo may itch during the healing process. DO NOT scratch it. Scratching or picking will remove the scab and possibly some of the colour from the tattoo. Lightly rub around the tattoo or use tattoo balm to relieve itching.
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If you have any questions, feel free to email me!
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Enjoy your new tattoo!