Aftercare that helps you heal faster!
Many ask what tattoo aftercare I use. I have used many over the years. Many I do NOT recommend, like dry healing or just letting your dog lick it. For almost all of my clients I recommend H2Ocean. At Signature Rose I spared no expense to go all in for my clients. H2Ocean just makes sense. It’s been proven and lab tested for years and recommended by top artists worldwide. But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a client’s honest review after healing her sleeve through different session over several months.
H2Ocean Extreme Tattoo Care is awesome. First the Blue Green Foam Soap helps to take the edge off the pain and has an antibacterial component as well. The Aquatat ointment is also great. It's not as thick and gunky as other ointments. It's also nice that not everything sticks to it after putting it on. And last but not least, the Ocean Care skin moisturizing cream. It spreads on nicely and doesn't have a heavy feeling that some lotions tend to have. Overall this is a handy little kit to have and the finished product (the tattoo) looks great and healed nicely and quickly!
-Sarah F.
H2ocean Aftercare
H2Ocean Aftercare is what I recommend to most clients for tattoo aftercare because of the improved healing time and client experience! The Tattoo Care Kit provides a 3-step, easy-to-use, and safe for all skin types process. Use this pharmaceutical-grade, FDA-registered Healing Aquatat skin protectant ointment, antibacterial natural moisturizing Blue Green Foam Soap, and revitalizing, moisturizing skin care Ocean Care Cream to bring your tattoo to life.
Kit Includes 1.7oz Blue Green Antibacterial Foam Soap, 74g Ocean Care Moisturizer, and 1.75oz Aquatat Ointment.
The following tattoo aftercare instructions are necessary for you to achieve quick recovery and have a great looking tattoo. Here are some of the tattoo aftercare instructions you should follow to achieve the best tattoo.
Tattoo aftercare.
Leave the bandage on for 2-6 hours, or 24 hours with Saniderm:
After having a tattoo session, the artist will cover the skin with an antibacterial ointment and cover with a dressing or in most cases a translucent bandage called Saniderm. The covering is necessary to protect your tattoo from possible infection. You should leave the covering in place for a minimum period of two hours before you can remove it. The artist will try to use the best covering on your skin after the tattoo session, always follow the instructions when removing the bandage.
Wash your hands and keep your tattoo clean!
Cleaning your hands frequently is a great practice! Touching your tattoo with hands that haven’t been washed is the easiest way to get bacteria in your tattoo and risk an infection.
Carefully remove the covering:
The covering can remain in place for up to six hours. (24 hours with Saniderm) But, eventually you should remove it so that your tattoo can start healing. Always ensure you follow the right procedure when removing the bandage so that you can preserve your tattoo design. If the bandage seems stuck, you can soak it in warm water so you can remove it without damaging your new tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo:
You should use lukewarm water with Blue Green Foam Soap to wash your hands first, then the tattoo. Use your hands to rub the tattoo gently while removing all traces of blood, leaked ink and plasma. It is necessary to prevent the tattoo from scrubbing too soon. Avoid using any items that can possibly damage the tattoo, for example a sponge or wash cloth.
After you have thoroughly washed the tattoo to pat it dry using a paper towel. Avoid rubbing the tattoo because it can cause irritation. After the tattoo is dry, leave it uncovered for about half an hour so that it can breathe and dry out any excess moisture.
Apply a thin layer of H2Ocean’s Aquatat ointment 2-5 times a day until absorbed, this is to help you to avoid infection. Each time you wash the tattoo, the ointment should be applied. The tattoo should be washed and moisturized at least twice each day. Always keep the tattoo clean so that you can speed up the healing process. After the tattoo is completed, you may develop itchy skin. You should always avoid scratching your tattoo or even pick at it because it will distort it and ruin it.
Ocean Care Skin Moisturizing Cream
After the first 2 days of washing with soap and applying Aquatat, switch to washing with soap then applying Ocean Care Skin Moisturizing Cream instead. A water-based skincare, fragrance-free, and vitamin-enriched lotion designed to moisturize and protect your new tattoo.
I have a big tattoo and ran out where can I buy some more?
Email the studio and I'll have you come by for a kit! If the studio is closed, H2Ocean is also available here in Muncie, Indiana at Walgreens, call ahead and first to find out which stores in Indiana or near you stock it!
I didn't get H2Ocean, is there anything else I can use?
There sure is. I prefer using a non-fragrant dye free soap like Dove, Aquaphor for the ointment and after the peeling phase, Lubriderm fragrance free, dye free lotion, but healing may take a little longer from my client’s experience! Here's the suggested aftercare! Regular Aftercare — Signature Rose
Anything else I should know?
When sleeping wear lightweight breathable and dark colored clothing and consider if your bed sheets will be stained with ink. Tattoo ink can seep out and stain lighter color clothing and sheets.
Do not pick at or scratch the tattoo. Flaking and peeling is a natural part of the healing process. Do not use ointments such as Neosporin, Vasoline, or Bactine. This could damage your tattoo or remove color. Please do not listen to what your friends say about your aftercare.
Avoid heavy sweating and working out for 10-14 days. Moisturize your tattoo and drink plenty of water for the healing process!
Avoid long soaking in the water or sauna (besides showering) for 3-4 weeks. Be quick about your showers and try to keep shampoos etc, out of your new tattoo. Treat it like a fresh wound.
Keep your tattoo clean! Think any germs can brush against your wound and cause an infection. Be careful when around job sites, pets, And children.
Avoid long exposure to the sunlight and tanning beds for 4 weeks. Always protect your tattoo when in the sun either with clothing or a sunblock of SPF 35 or higher. After this period continue to moisturize your tattoo daily as it will promote healing the underlying layers of skin for the next 3-4 months.
Please keep this in mind. Tattoo aftercare is extremely vital to the tattoo process. How your tattoo looks and heals depends on how YOU treat it. I carry Saniderm along with a full array of aftercare products at the studio. Please protect your investment!
Touch ups
Touch ups are available if you have a spot or a line that needs repaired due to the healing process. These should be addressed within the first 6 months or you may be charged. And if done within 1-6 months touch ups are included in your initial session fee. You paid a lot for your tattoo! Make sure you feel satisfied! I welcome those who reach out to schedule a touch up session if necessary!