Relic Tattoo Aftercare
Please read below for your aftercare instructions. If you need to download this page for reference, you can click ‘File’ at the top of your browser and ‘Save as PDF’.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to send us an email, a DM through Instagram or give us a phone call:
Phone: (502) 915-7768
Email: contact@relicsupply.co
IG: @relic_tattoos
IMMEDIATE AFTERCARE
Leave your bandage or tattoo covering on for one to three hours after your tattoo is finished. Your artist will instruct you on exactly how long to keep the bandage there. This process is collecting a lot of the goop, blood, and even ink from the fresh tattoo, so keep it on! You don’t want to ruin any new clothes or overly expose it at first.
Make sure to wash your new tattoo several times a day with a soft, non-scented, antibacterial soap to keep it clean and avoid potential infection. Make sure to do this for two to three weeks or until the tattoo is more or less healed. Remember, never touch your tattoo unless you have just washed your hands!
For the first few days (we suggest three days) after washing the tattoo make sure to apply an ointment to keep it hydrated. Great ointments to use that can be picked up at a drug store Aquaphor or the ointment offered at Relic Supply. Use this sparingly! A thin layer is better than drowning the tattoo in goo and will help it heal faster.
After the first few days of using ointment switch to a non-scented lotion such as Aveeno, after you wash your tattoo. A thin layer of unscented natural oils such as shea butter or unscented, unrefined coco butter also work.
For the first two weeks, avoid wearing tight clothing. Otherwise you run the risk of scabbing and ink loss when clothes rub up against your tattoo. If possible, avoid sleeping on your tattoo so you don’t agitate the healing process.
While the tattoo is healing avoid going into large bodies of water (pool, ocean, hot tubs, etc.), the gym or activities that lead to excessive amounts of sweating, and exposure to the sun for the first two weeks. This could damage the tattoo in the healing process. Showers are fine as long as they are quick and not overly hot. You don’t want to burn your new ink! Do not use abrasive washcloths or towels on the tattoo, use your fingertips only.
Continue this process until the tattoo is healed. And remember, don’t pick, peal or scratch any scabbing or hard layers. These hard layers are normal and picking them off could damage or remove color.
LONG-TERM AFTERCARE
Long-term aftercare is just as important as short-term. The more you care about how you treat your skin, the longer your tattoo will uphold its sheen.
Your tattoos will lighten up after they have fully healed. That’s normal as the layers of skin are growing back over the ink and accepting it within your skin. But to keep a solid coloring, always make sure to put on sunscreen when going outside, especially in the summer. SPF 45 or higher and sunscreen for children are always great at protecting your skin and several tattoo aftercare brands make sun blocks designed for tattoos.
Always keep your tattoos moisturized, especially in areas prone to fading like hands, feet, elbows, etc. This will help keep the tattoo intact longer and less prone to fading over the years.
Consult a physician if signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, excessive swelling, excessive redness or drainage occur.