Contact Us
Important Information!
In order to secure your appointment we need a non-refundable deposit 1/2 that will apply toward the final price of the tattoo.
Flash design deposit 1/2
If you cancel or reschedule a session (rescheduling is possible i time) at least 5 days before the selected date.
If you are more than 30 minutes late, the master has the right the cancel your session. In this case, the deposit is not refunder.
BLACKWORKNYC - 406 / 4 floor
42 West Street, Brooklyn, New York 11222, United States
Aftecare
Second skin is a medical-grade breathable bandage that your artist will apply to your fresh tattoo.
The second skin should be worn for the first four days.
During the healing process, the tattoo may begin to peel and itch. This is a natural skin renewal process. Do not scratch, rub, or pick at it. To relieve the itching, apply an additional thin layer of ointment or lotion.
Do not swim or submerge the tattoo in water (in pools, baths, etc.) for 2 weeks or until the tattoo is still visibly healing. For larger tattoos, this period may be longer.
Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo for 2 weeks, and then use SPF 30 or higher to protect the vibrancy of the tattoo.
Avoid moderate to intense physical activity for 2 weeks.
During the healing process, you may notice fluid accumulation under the second skin. This fluid is a mixture of excess ink, plasma, and traces of blood. This is completely normal and not a cause for concern. Sometimes, the bandage seal may break, causing fluid to leak out. If this happens, remove the bandage earlier than the recommended four days and begin the aftercare routine sooner.
The second skin is water-resistant, so you can shower without removing it. However, it is not recommended to take long hot baths, swim, or submerge the tattooed area in water (both while wearing the bandage and during the first two weeks of healing).
After removing the second skin, gently wash the tattoo using a mild antibacterial liquid soap. Pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel, avoiding cloth towels or any rough or abrasive materials do not rub. Be sure to wash the tattoo twice a day for two weeks.
After cleaning, apply a very thin layer of healing ointment. I recommend Aquaphor. Do this twice a day as well, making sure not to overapply the ointment. Continue washing the tattoo and using the ointment for two weeks after removing the second skin.
Two weeks after the session, switch from Aquaphor to a fragrance-free moisturizer. I recommend Lubriderm Advanced Healing. Apply it in a thin layer twice a day and continue for another week.
Since I work with the thinnest needles 1 RL, yes, that can happen.
It depends on many factors, such as the placement of the tattoo, skin type, proper aftercare, and healing. After healing, some of the pigment may come off in certain areas, and that’s completely normal. However, this does not happen to everyone.
Don’t worry, just wait until the tattoo is fully healed, contact your artist, and schedule a touch up tattoo.
Let’s break down what it is and what can cause it.
1. Physical Activity
• Increased Sweating: During physical activity, the body starts to sweat, and this sweat can accumulate under the protective film, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to multiply. This increases the risk of tattoo infection.
• Friction and Irritation: During exercise, the skin stretches and may rub against surfaces, which can lead to irritation, damage to the skin covering the tattoo, and a slowed healing process.
• Lack of Air: The second skin limits the air supply to the tattoo, potentially slowing the skin’s recovery. During intense physical activity, the skin needs oxygen for proper healing.
2. Prolonged Baths
• Excess Moisture: Extended exposure to water, especially hot water, can soften the skin and cause the scab that forms on the healing tattoo to peel off. This may result in the design losing clarity or developing inflammation.
• Risk of Infection: Bath water, particularly if it is not clean or contains microbes, can seep into the pores and disrupt the protective layer on a fresh tattoo, increasing the chance of infection.
• Delayed Healing: Constant exposure to water can slow down the healing process, as the skin remains too moist, potentially leading to excessive inflammation or redness.
3. Premature Removal of the Second Skin
• Early Removal: Removing the film too early, when the tattoo hasn’t healed and the skin hasn’t recovered, can lead to additional irritation or damage. Exposing a fresh tattoo during the early healing stage increases the risk of infection.
4. Lack of Hygiene: If the hands are not thoroughly washed before removing the second skin, or if the removal is done in non-sterile conditions, bacteria can be introduced into the open pores and damaged skin.
5. Damage During Removal: If the film is removed too abruptly or roughly, it can cause mechanical damage to the upper skin layer, which opens the door for bacteria and microbes.
6. Allergic Reaction: Sometimes the skin may react to the film material itself, especially if it remains on the skin for too long. This reaction can cause inflammation, which in turn opens the pathway for infection.
7. Contact with Pets
• Bacterial Transfer: Animals, especially if they are not in perfect hygienic condition, can carry bacteria on their fur or paws. If a pet licks or touches the tattoo, it may introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
• Mechanical Irritation: A pet might accidentally scratch or rub a fresh tattoo, disrupting the protective barrier of the skin and creating additional entry points for bacteria.
• Contact with Allergens and Dirt: Fur, dust, or other contaminants carried by pets can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, further complicating the healing process and increasing the risk of infection.