Dry Healing a Tattoo
A lot of my clients are surprised, when I tell them not to put cream on their healing tattoo. But in my experience, tattoos that have been healed dry stay more saturated, and require less touch ups.
This can be due to 2 reasons:
Most people tend to put too much cream on their tattoos. This can soften the scabs, and cause them to come off too quickly. Additionally, putting too much cream on your tattoos can lead to infections, due to the warm and moist environment.
When applying cream on a healing tattoo, the motion can create small tears, pulling out scabs before the pigments had the time to settle under the skin.
So how does the alternative, dry healing, work?
Leave the Dry Lock Pad I applied on for 24 hours.
During this time your tattoo is going to weep and secrete body fluids called plasma. This plasma will also mix with excess pigment & create a murky colored fluid that will get absorbed by the pad.
Change the pad for the new one I provided after 24 hours.
1. Clean your hands beforehand.
2. Slowly & carefully remove the bandage. Some of the plasma might have already dried, so you want to be gentle in order not to hurt yourself.
3. Clean your skin with lukewarm water only. Do not scrub your skin, you can gently remove glue residues by caressing with your hand. There is no need to use soap, but if you have to, make sure it’s antiseptic, PH neutral and without perfumes. Never use a rag or loofah, only use your hand to wash the tattoo!
4. Tap dry with paper towels or air dry, do not use a towel or anything that isn’t single use and clean.
5. Now apply the new pad I provided, and secure it with paper tape or bandage tape.
6. Remove this pad after 24 hours and repeat steps 1-4.
Keep your skin clean and dry.
After you’ve removed the second pad I have provided, scabs should already have formed everywhere. From now on, gently rinse your tattoo with lukewarm water twice a day, until it is fully healed. Always let it air dry, or tap dry with paper towels. If your skin is extremely itchy, you can apply a small amount of tattoo cream for relief, but I recommend avoiding it if possible.
For the next month, you will have to take extra care.
Do not submerge your tattoo in water, only showers. Only wash with clear water or antiseptic soap. Only touch with clean hands. Wear loose clothing. Avoid sweating, so no saunas or intense workouts. Do not scratch or pick your skin. Do not expose to sun. After it is healed, always put SPF 50 when exposing to the sun.
If you have any reaction or doubts about the healing process, please contact me right away.
Please send me a high quality picture 2 months after your tattoo, so I can verify if any touch ups are needed.
These are included in the price.
