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AFTERCARE

Aftercare Policy

Thank you for choosing Burns Ink. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals safely and retains its best appearance. Please follow these guidelines carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us immediately.

Initial Care (Day 0-5)

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At the end of your session, your artist will apply Tattoo Armour to your new tattoo(s). Leave this applied for up to 24 hours. Make sure your hands are clean before removing the Tattoo Armour. Wash the area thoroughly with Dial Gold or another antibacterial, unscented soap. Pat dry with paper towels, then check the following instructions.

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If you do not have an adhesive allergy, you may also receive a second skin tattoo wrap.

  • Apply as instructed by your artist.

  • Leave on for 3–5 days.

  • During this time, the tattoo may appear “muddy” under the wrap and form an ink sack (a normal collection of plasma, ink, and fluids). This is not cause for alarm.

  • If fluid begins to leak from the sides, the seal is broken. Remove the wrap, wash the tattoo thoroughly, and transition to the standard healing process.

  • Remove wraps slowly in the shower to loosen the adhesive.

 

Alternative Care (If Allergic to Adhesives)

  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

  • Wash the tattoo 2–3 times daily during the first two days with Dial Gold Soap or the aftercare soap provided.

  • Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel (do not use cloth towels).

  • Apply a very thin layer of A&D Ointment or Aquaphor. Do not apply thick layers - the tattoo must be able to breathe.

  • After 48 hours, switch to a fragrance-free lotion (examples: Eucerin, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Hustle Butter Tattoo Cream).

 

Healing Phase (Days 5–14)

  • Around Day 5, your tattoo will begin peeling and itching.

  • Do not scratch, peel, or pick at the tattoo—allow it to flake naturally.

  • Continue washing once or twice daily and moisturize with unscented lotion.

 

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS

  • AVOID direct sunlight on the tattoo until fully healed.

  • DO NOT apply tanning oils, sunscreen, or scented lotions until healing is complete.

  • DO NOT soak your tattoo in baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, or the ocean for at least 2–4 weeks.

  • DO NOT apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or harsh ointments to your tattoo, as these can delay healing and damage the skin.

  • Healing times vary by tattoo size, placement, and saturation. For example, a 3”x3” tattoo with light shading will typically heal faster than a 5”x5” tattoo with full color.

 

SIGNS OF CONCERN

Mild redness and swelling are normal for the first 24–48 hours. Contact your artist or a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Excessive redness or swelling after 3+ days

  • Yellow or green discharge

  • Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms

  • Severe pain that does not improve with time

⚠️ If you suspect infection or an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately!

 

Legal & Safety Notice

  • Burns Ink complies with all Kern County and California tattooing regulations.

  • Tattoos are only performed on clients 18 years or older with valid government-issued ID.

  • Aftercare instructions are provided to protect your health and the long-term appearance of your tattoo.

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