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magpie
About tattoos that don’t heal properly...
Years ago, on my second or third tattoo, I got the best aftercare advice ever. Some 60+ sessions later - I’ve never had a problem with healing. I’d like to share that with you.
(Disclaimer- this method only works with tattoos that are done properly, not when the skin is so f’d, that the scabbing is basically impossible to avoid)
It’s simple - DO NOT BE GENTLE WITH IT.
Basically, you get it done, wrapped up. Then let it settle for a 3-5h. Unwrap it, gently wipe the slimey stuff with a paper towel so the tattoo is dry. Then grey soap and lukewarm water and you wash it thoroughly. But like you mean it, it’ll hurt a bit but that’s ok, just use lots of soap and really focus on all the areas tattooed. Obviously, don’t scratch it, just wash with the palm of your hand. Then rinse and pat dry with paper towel, wrap up in cling film again. Repeat every 2-3h for a day or two without putting any ointment. Only put ointment when you unwrap and there’s no slime stuff - then just wash and put a thin layer of Bepanthen (any tattoo ointment will do but B is my favourite), then depending on how large the tattoo is and where it is, I try not to wrap it up anymore. Just repeat the same thorough washing procedure every 2-3h. In my experience all the flakes are gone after 3-4 days tops and the tattoo is basically healed, after about 5 days of Bepanthen, I only wash 1-2 a day and use normal body lotion.
I do appreciate this is not very rock n roll, but if you want the tattoo healed ASAP, I highly recommend trying it out. It made my life a lot easier.
Thanks for reading if you did. Happy healing.