05 — Afterward

Aftercare.

The tattoo is finished in the chair. It is kept in the weeks that follow.

How to keep it

i.
The first night. Leave the covering on as instructed. When it comes off, wash gently with unscented soap and warm water. Pat dry with clean paper. Nothing else touches it.
ii.
The first two weeks. A thin film of unscented moisturizer, two or three times a day. No soaking — no pools, lakes, or long baths. No sun. Loose clothing over the work.
iii.
As it heals. It will flake, and it will itch. Let it. Do not pick, scratch, or peel — the ink beneath is still settling into its permanent home.
iv.
If something seems wrong. Text the studio. A photograph and a sentence is enough. You will hear back quickly — the work is not done until it has healed well.

This is the house’s aftercare. If your sitting came with a note that differs, that note wins.