Green soap is the go-to for most tattoo artists out there as it's a medical-level soap that's fragrance-free and environmentally friendly. This should be applied via a spray bottle and diluted before use.
That's right, baby wipes! Many tattoo shop owners and artists recommend using baby wipes to remove tattoo ink from your skin, as they are gentle and won't cause irritation. Plus, they're super convenient and easy to use - grab a wipe, wipe away the ink, and voila! Your tattoo is clean and fresh.
Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. These can irritate your skin. When you wash your tattoo, be gentle. Don't scrub.
Correctly bandaging/ dressing your new stick and poke
Firstly, you should clean the tattoo. This should be done with a solution of green soap and distilled water using a ratio of 1 to 8. Another option that is available is the use of an alcoholic pad or rubbing alcohol.
Dettol is used by tattooists and piercers for cleaning the skin, applying first aid and for medical and personal hygiene. Dettol liquid contains an ingredient called Chloroxylenol which is used to kill bacteria and provide protection against germs.
It kills bacteria and provides protection against infection-causing germs. Thanks to its high quality Dettol is a many years using by many tattoo artists as an effective and reliable stencil transfer liquid.
- Antiseptics such as TCP, Dettol and perfumed lotions should not be used. - Sudocream, Bepanthen and Vaseline are not advised. - Ensure your tattoo is covered before handling any pets as they can cover your tattoo with hair and saliva etc. - Be aware that tattoos can become infected.
Prevent dirt and irritation
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, or a vegan alternative, to a non-stick bandage. Apply the bandage with the petroleum jelly on it to the tattoo site. The petroleum jelly will prevent the irritated skin from sticking to the bandage.
The bandage protects your stick and poke tattoos while allowing body fluids to drain. Most sources of advice will tell you basically the same: to leave the covering on the tattoo for the first two to five hours, then to carefully remove it and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild liquid soap, like Carex.
Paper towels are better than regular towels because there's a smaller risk of infection. Plus, if any of the colored scuds is still on your skin, it won't stain your regular towels. If necessary, you may use clean towels to lightly dab the tattoo dry. Don't wipe or scrub your tattoo—simply pat it.
To get the excess ink off, you'll want to use a lot of Vaseline. Wipe it around a little bit to pick up all the excess ink and get it mixed in with the Vaseline. Then, you can wipe the Vaseline off with a paper towel. You do not need any other products.
After you remove the bandage, you should wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment, blood, and plasma and to completely clean the area.
Ethanol and isopropanol are probably the most common alcohols in the tattoo shop space, so lets quickly cover what they might be used for. Both ethanol and isopropanol are used as cleaning products for their antiseptic qualities. Ethanol may also be used as a solvent and carrier, especially for use in tinctures.
Only use CLEAN hands to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on fresh tattoo.
S8 Towels are a smart alternative to paper towels, designed specifically for tattoo procedures.
SKIN PREPARATION FOR YOUR TATTOO
Apply lotion to the area to hydrate and soften your skin; your tattoo will look cleaner and heal faster than if your skin is rough & dry. Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed.
The American Academy of Dermatology says petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade. They recommend using water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead. But why? Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments may trap moisture and bacteria on top of a new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection.
There's no confusion when it comes to the safety of coconut oil: it's definitely okay to put on your tattoo. "Coconut oil contains a high level of fatty acids that are useful for creating a moisturizing barrier in the skin.
Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Bactine is used to treat pain and promote healing, which is useful during the tattoo process. Bactine can relieve a lot of the burning sensation, reduce redness, swelling, and also has a numbing effect.
After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then allow it to air-dry for 15 minutes. When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer.
Before you prep your client's skin for a modification, you have to clean your own hands well. Start by washing your hands for at least 30 seconds with antibacterial soap and warm water. Next, use liquid hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes as a secondary effort, and then put on a fresh pair of gloves.