Things you will need:
- Fixomull, Opsite FlexiFix/FlexiGrid (or Saniderm/Tegaderm, etc) *available at most chemists
- Gentle, unscented soap. You can use an unscented antibacterial soap if you like, eg Dettol)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Paper towels (for drying, as towels & toilet paper will leave fibers on your skin)
Tattoos tend to weep/ooze for the first 24h, so it's best to apply covering the next morning.
Before bed on the first night, simply wash & dry (with paper towels) & then let air dry completely.
Apply a thin layer of Paw paw, coconut oil or Hustle Butter, etc & wrap with clingwrap. A paper towel around the base keeps the ooze from leaking onto bedsheets.
To apply the Opsite:
First wash your hands and then your new tattoo, with unscented soap. Dry with paper towels, and then let it air dry completely.
Clean the area AROUND the fresh tattoo with rubbing alcohol. This strips the surrounding skin of its natural oils and helps the covering stick really well to your skin for required healing time.
Cut a strip/strips of the covering that is slightly larger than your tattoo.
If your tattoo is really big, you can cut smaller strips and overlap them so that they cover the whole thing. If it's a bendy body part (eg shoulder) use several smaller strips to make it easier.
Remove half the backing paper, apply the covering slowly from one end, and remove the second half as you roll the rest onto your skin, avoiding air bubbles as much as you can. (This is easier with smaller pieces)
If you get any air bubbles when using Opsite, don't worry. Clean a needle, carefully pierce the film (sideways, so you don't risk hurting yourself), squeeze out the air, and cover the hole with a small piece of fresh Opsite.
Once the covering is applied note that the tattoo may look muddy or extra black over the next 3-4 days. If fluid builds up, simply pull up one corner in the shower and gently push the fluid out.
After 3-4 days, you can peel the covering off in a warm shower. It will be slow and probably a bit painful, but don't worry - this is normal. The top layer of dead skin will all flake off in the next few days, like a sunburn. Your tattoo underneath should now be healed!
For the next few days while the dead skin flakes off, feel free to moisturise with a normal light body cream to help soften the skin (Paw-paw cream, coconut oil, tattoo after care)
For any queries or questions regarding your new tattoo, please send a DM to Market Place Studio via Instagram.