First and foremost, thank you for trusting us with your new tattoo. We've done our part, now it's up to you!

 

 ✿ Leave your bandage on for the next 24-48hrs. However, if it leaks, tears, or lifts, remove it. Leaving a compromised bandage on may cause complications.

 

✿ You may continue normal activities but avoid heavy sweating or intense workouts during this time. Sweat build up underneath your bandage is not good for a fresh tattoo! 

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 ✿ There's a good chance you will notice some fluid build-up underneath your bandage. It will look like a mixture of blood and ink - or as Cal likes to call it, a "forbidden soy sauce packet". Do not pop the bubble of fluid, the bubble is your friend.

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 ✿ Once your 24-48hrs are up, wash your hands before removal. We find it easiest to remove the bandage under running water (either in the shower or under the sink). You may either remove it slowly, working from one corner to the opposite, or try out Lou's technique - simply hold tension on the skin and rip it off like you're waxing. (May result in additional injuries... You've been warned.)

 

To be frank: both options hurt. Choose your destiny. Godspeed, Barbie. 

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(Note: you may notice a design transfer on the other side of your bandage. You are not physically ripping any ink out, we promise. That is highly improbable.)

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 ✿ Now that your bandage is off, gently wash with clean hands, lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap.

 ✿ Dry and apply a thin layer of aftercare lotion. 

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 ✿ If applying the lotion causes burning or irritation, stop using it and switch products. Your body will always tell you if there is something wrong - it's up to us to listen to it. 

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 ✿ For the next two weeks, you will wash your fresh tattoo at least once a day (feel free to wash again if you feel as if you've gotten it dirty) and apply lotion 3-5 times a day, or whenever it feels itchy or dry.

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 ✿ Peeling is normal. Every tattoo goes through a bit of an ugly phase. 

 ✿ Avoid pools, spas, or other soaking activities (bubble baths, insane amount of dish washing, or water sports if you're into them) for the next two weeks minimum as it heals. Showering is fine. 

 ✿ Don't pick or scratch, even when it gets itchy. Itchy equals dry, so simply put a little more lotion on, and drink extra water if it's not already in your daily routine.

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Notes:

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Do not use Bepanthen, Aquaphor, Vaseline, or heavy ointments on your tattoo. Unfortunately, the only thing tattoo artists can agree on is that we cannot agree on anything - but that just means that if you get a tattoo from the Barbies, please use their aftercare protocol (unless otherwise discussed with your Tattoo Barbie). 

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Tattoos are ongoing healing wounds, so they may take a while before settling into their final appearance. If you notice any ink fallout, please wait until the 2 week period when the tattoo is mostly healed to contact us about a touch up.

Healing times vary from person to person.

 

 ✿ If you have healing questions, email shop@caliloustattoos.com with the subject line “Healing Qs.” ✿

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Thanks Barbie!