Aftercare
We are so glad you chose Hoopla Ink to get your ink work done, but sitting through the tattoo does not mean the tattoo process is over...
The total healing time for a tattoo is typically 2-3 weeks and you will need to care for and take precautions with your fresh ink during that time period! Once completing the tattoo, your artist will go over after care with you, discussing important aspects such as washing the tattoo regularly with antibacterial soap and avoiding sunlight and soaking it in water e.g. swimming and bathing. For ease of remembering the aftercare do's and don'ts, we will provide you with an aftercare sheet at the end of your appointment that states the following:
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Leave your bandage on for at least one hour. We suggest leaving it on until you are able to wash it in a clean environment. After removing your bandage, wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented anti-bacterial soap. Do NOT use soap containing fragrance. You will not have to do anything but wash it on the first day.
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Your body will naturally heal the tattoo. We suggest a plain, white, unscented lotion in small amounts only when your tattoo feels very tight or is very dry. DO NOT USE A&D, Bacitration, Triple Antibiotic, Neosporin, petroleum or any other fast healing ointments.
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Depending on your tattoo and the aftercare, your tattoo should take no longer than 2 to 3 weeks to heal. In that time, you should avoid natural and artificial tanning. Do not soak or submerge your tattoo in water e.g. bathing, hot tubs, or any form of swimming.
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As your tattoo heals, you may feel an itching sensation. This is a good sign of healing and it is completely norma;. Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo regardless of how bad the urge may be because it can result in a loss of color and/or the tattoo itself.
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It is normal for your tattoo to ooze a little bit in the beginning stages, but if excessive oozing occurs, you are probably applying too much lotion. Use only thin amounts each time and allow it to air dry completely after washing before applying lotion.
If you have any questions or concerns about the tattoo healing process, feel free to reach out to your artist at the shop through phone or email for clarification on the aftercare process.