Part Three of the Interview
We discuss tattoo care rules, as well as how to protect tattoos in a sunny city like Los Angeles.
Two ways to heal: cream and film
[Journalist] Is healing really as important as the session itself?
[Rinat] Yes, I absolutely agree with that 100%.
[Journalist] What can go wrong after the session? Let's imagine that the session has just ended. How do you finish it and what do you say to the person?
[Rinat] There is a set of rules that must be followed after the master has finished the work. There are two main ways to heal:
The old-school way: healing cream + bandages;
And the modern way: Hustle Butter's Aftercare Wrap healing film.
The first way:
- Wash the tattoo with warm water and soap every 2-3 hours;
- Do this every day for about 5-7 days;
- Keep the tattoo clean at all times;
- Apply healing cream after washing;
- For the first two days, wrap it in disposable diapers (baby or special ones, any brand).
[Journalist] Let's talk about the first one in more detail. What tattoo healing products can be found in Los Angeles?
[Rinat] There are professional products, such as Hustle Butter, and there is a pharmacy alternative, Aquaphor.
[Journalist] Can Hustle Butter be purchased from you after the session? How much does it cost?
[Rinat] It can be purchased from me. The price needs to be clarified.
[Journalist] Is Aquaphor an ointment or a cream?
[Rinat] Like Bepanten, it comes in different forms and varieties. I've never bought it myself. I know what the packaging with the cross looks like, but I can't say for sure what form it comes in (ointment, cream, lotion). So it's easier to just say: Aquaphor and that's it.
[Rinat] Yes, I absolutely agree with that 100%.
[Journalist] What can go wrong after the session? Let's imagine that the session has just ended. How do you finish it and what do you say to the person?
[Rinat] There is a set of rules that must be followed after the master has finished the work. There are two main ways to heal:
The old-school way: healing cream + bandages;
And the modern way: Hustle Butter's Aftercare Wrap healing film.
The first way:
- Wash the tattoo with warm water and soap every 2-3 hours;
- Do this every day for about 5-7 days;
- Keep the tattoo clean at all times;
- Apply healing cream after washing;
- For the first two days, wrap it in disposable diapers (baby or special ones, any brand).
[Journalist] Let's talk about the first one in more detail. What tattoo healing products can be found in Los Angeles?
[Rinat] There are professional products, such as Hustle Butter, and there is a pharmacy alternative, Aquaphor.
[Journalist] Can Hustle Butter be purchased from you after the session? How much does it cost?
[Rinat] It can be purchased from me. The price needs to be clarified.
[Journalist] Is Aquaphor an ointment or a cream?
[Rinat] Like Bepanten, it comes in different forms and varieties. I've never bought it myself. I know what the packaging with the cross looks like, but I can't say for sure what form it comes in (ointment, cream, lotion). So it's easier to just say: Aquaphor and that's it.
Aftercare Wrap: film instead of daily care
[Journalist] We understand the outdated method of tattoo care, now tell us about the new one. What are its advantages?
[Rinat] The second option, Aftercare Wrap, is suitable if the person has no allergies. It allows you to effectively cover areas in anatomically complex places, such as the armpits, which are difficult to cover with a bandage.
Here's how it works:
- I cover the tattoo with Aftercare Wrap;
- The person wears the film for 5 days;
- After 5 days, they remove it and the tattoo has healed.
[Journalist] Can they remove the film themselves or do they need to visit you? How much does it cost?
[Rinat] They can remove it themselves under warm running water, carefully. The film is included in the service; there is no need to pay for it separately.
[Journalist] So, before the session, the person does not need to go to the pharmacy for aftercare products? The artist provides everything and simply gives a choice between healing methods?
[Rinat] That's right.
[Rinat] The second option, Aftercare Wrap, is suitable if the person has no allergies. It allows you to effectively cover areas in anatomically complex places, such as the armpits, which are difficult to cover with a bandage.
Here's how it works:
- I cover the tattoo with Aftercare Wrap;
- The person wears the film for 5 days;
- After 5 days, they remove it and the tattoo has healed.
[Journalist] Can they remove the film themselves or do they need to visit you? How much does it cost?
[Rinat] They can remove it themselves under warm running water, carefully. The film is included in the service; there is no need to pay for it separately.
[Journalist] So, before the session, the person does not need to go to the pharmacy for aftercare products? The artist provides everything and simply gives a choice between healing methods?
[Rinat] That's right.
The sun is pigment's worst enemy
[Journalist] Los Angeles has an average of about 263 sunny days a year. How do you teach clients to protect fresh and any pigment from UV rays?
[Rinat] There aren't many options. You need SPF 50+ sunscreen. Every time you go out in the sun, whether it's for 15 minutes or two hours, apply cream to your tattoo. This will protect it from UV rays and save you from unnecessary correction costs, which would otherwise be inevitable.
[Journalist] How does UV light affect tattoos?
[Rinat] It destroys the color pigment, just like it does in clothing, on building facades, and any painted surface exposed to the sun. Tattoos are no exception. Over time, they fade and lose contrast.
[Journalist] So after the tan fades, the tattoo will look...
[Rinat] Paler. Everything will gradually start to fade. Some skin pigments may disappear altogether, but there's no need to focus on that: it's more important to convey that the sun kills contrast, and it's better to avoid long periods of unprotected exposure if you want your tattoo to look good for longer.
[Rinat] There aren't many options. You need SPF 50+ sunscreen. Every time you go out in the sun, whether it's for 15 minutes or two hours, apply cream to your tattoo. This will protect it from UV rays and save you from unnecessary correction costs, which would otherwise be inevitable.
[Journalist] How does UV light affect tattoos?
[Rinat] It destroys the color pigment, just like it does in clothing, on building facades, and any painted surface exposed to the sun. Tattoos are no exception. Over time, they fade and lose contrast.
[Journalist] So after the tan fades, the tattoo will look...
[Rinat] Paler. Everything will gradually start to fade. Some skin pigments may disappear altogether, but there's no need to focus on that: it's more important to convey that the sun kills contrast, and it's better to avoid long periods of unprotected exposure if you want your tattoo to look good for longer.
Personal case and the sea after the session
[Journalist] Tell us a story about when a client ignored your advice and went to the pool or the ocean. Were you able to fix it?
[Rinat] I'll tell you about myself. I have a large tattoo on my back in brown and orange colors. At that time, I didn't use sunscreen at all. After several trips to Thailand and constantly burning my back in the sun, all the orange and brown pigments simply disappeared. So I can say from my own experience: you need to protect your tattoo from the sun.
[Journalist] Is this specifically the case with tanning?
[Rinat] It's not just tanning, but constantly being in the sun without sunscreen, regularly “burning” in the ultraviolet rays.
[Journalist] What will happen to a tattoo that has not yet healed if you go swimming in salt water, the sea, or the ocean?
[Rinat] Nothing good. A fresh tattoo is like an open wound. You need to create the most comfortable conditions possible for the pigment to take root. Any irritant, such as salt water or dirty water, can provoke a rejection reaction, pull out the pigment, and disrupt normal healing. Therefore, it is best to avoid such things. It only takes a week to heal, so let it heal peacefully.
[Rinat] I'll tell you about myself. I have a large tattoo on my back in brown and orange colors. At that time, I didn't use sunscreen at all. After several trips to Thailand and constantly burning my back in the sun, all the orange and brown pigments simply disappeared. So I can say from my own experience: you need to protect your tattoo from the sun.
[Journalist] Is this specifically the case with tanning?
[Rinat] It's not just tanning, but constantly being in the sun without sunscreen, regularly “burning” in the ultraviolet rays.
[Journalist] What will happen to a tattoo that has not yet healed if you go swimming in salt water, the sea, or the ocean?
[Rinat] Nothing good. A fresh tattoo is like an open wound. You need to create the most comfortable conditions possible for the pigment to take root. Any irritant, such as salt water or dirty water, can provoke a rejection reaction, pull out the pigment, and disrupt normal healing. Therefore, it is best to avoid such things. It only takes a week to heal, so let it heal peacefully.
Risks of infection and travel after the session
[Journalist] Is it possible for an infection to get into the tattoo after the session? Compare self-care with ointments and bandages and the use of the film that you apply.
[Rinat] Theoretically, both are possible. With “cream” care, it is important to constantly wash the tattoo, then everything should be fine. When caring for the tattoo with film, it is important to ensure that it is airtight so that nothing gets under it.
[Journalist] If a person flies in to see you from another city and after the session has a long journey back, for example, 6 hours on a plane, and cannot wash the tattoo every few hours, is there a risk of infection?
[Rinat] There is a risk. But what a person does as soon as they get home is important. During the trip, a lot of discharge, lymph, and other stuff accumulates under the bandage or film. You need to thoroughly wash the tattoo so that it becomes matte and clean. If you wash it right away, everything usually goes well. If you skip this step and start using creams on a dirty surface, a “swamp” will form, and then infection is possible: local inflammation that will negatively affect healing. The main rule is that a fresh tattoo is like a wound, and a wound must be clean.
[Journalist] So, does the film partially eliminate the need for daily washing and fuss?
[Rinat] Yes, but there are some nuances:
- there are areas where the film cannot be applied or is very difficult to apply;
- for a colored tattoo on the shin, it is better to apply the film on the second day, because on the first day there is a lot of lymph, and huge bubbles will form under the film.
[Journalist] Can a person apply the film themselves the next day, or is it better to come to you?
[Rinat] I will definitely do it more thoroughly, and it's free. If a person does it themselves, they will most likely be too gentle: they won't wash it thoroughly enough in some places, they won't rub it enough in others, and all of this will be sealed under the film. That's where an infection can start. It needs to be washed very thoroughly, but people tend to be too gentle when caring for their tattoos.
[Rinat] Theoretically, both are possible. With “cream” care, it is important to constantly wash the tattoo, then everything should be fine. When caring for the tattoo with film, it is important to ensure that it is airtight so that nothing gets under it.
[Journalist] If a person flies in to see you from another city and after the session has a long journey back, for example, 6 hours on a plane, and cannot wash the tattoo every few hours, is there a risk of infection?
[Rinat] There is a risk. But what a person does as soon as they get home is important. During the trip, a lot of discharge, lymph, and other stuff accumulates under the bandage or film. You need to thoroughly wash the tattoo so that it becomes matte and clean. If you wash it right away, everything usually goes well. If you skip this step and start using creams on a dirty surface, a “swamp” will form, and then infection is possible: local inflammation that will negatively affect healing. The main rule is that a fresh tattoo is like a wound, and a wound must be clean.
[Journalist] So, does the film partially eliminate the need for daily washing and fuss?
[Rinat] Yes, but there are some nuances:
- there are areas where the film cannot be applied or is very difficult to apply;
- for a colored tattoo on the shin, it is better to apply the film on the second day, because on the first day there is a lot of lymph, and huge bubbles will form under the film.
[Journalist] Can a person apply the film themselves the next day, or is it better to come to you?
[Rinat] I will definitely do it more thoroughly, and it's free. If a person does it themselves, they will most likely be too gentle: they won't wash it thoroughly enough in some places, they won't rub it enough in others, and all of this will be sealed under the film. That's where an infection can start. It needs to be washed very thoroughly, but people tend to be too gentle when caring for their tattoos.
Allergies, redness, and “normal or panic”
[Journalist] What else can happen to a tattoo after the session? Have you seen any allergic reactions or redness that appeared after the client left?
[Rinat] There have been allergic reactions and redness. It can be a slight itch that goes away quickly, or it can be something more serious.
[Journalist] Let's clarify that those who should not get a tattoo at all and who are at risk of a serious reaction usually already know about it: these are people with a long history of consultations with doctors who have been told directly that tattoos are not recommended for them.
[Rinat] Yes, that's right. If a new, unusual reaction suddenly occurs, you should immediately consult a dermatologist.
[Journalist] First to your studio?
[Rinat] Yes, of course, you can come to the studio for a consultation first. But if something looks serious, it's better to go to a doctor. Honestly, I don't remember any serious cases recently.
[Journalist] How many years have you been practicing?
[Rinat] Never in America. I've been tattooing since 2002, so 24 years in total.
[Journalist] So in more than 20 years of practice, you haven't had a single truly serious case with consequences from tattoos?
[Rinat] Maybe there were some. Allergies did occur, but for reasons beyond my control, and they were successfully treated with antihistamines.
[Journalist] How can a client understand that redness is normal and when it's time to sound the alarm?
[Rinat] If there is a slight pink halo around the tattoo, this is normal; it is a natural reaction of the skin to irritation. However, when bright red, burgundy, or purple inflamed areas, blisters, or sores appear around the pigment, this is not normal.
[Journalist] And does this happen more often in unprofessional studios where sterile conditions are not maintained?
[Rinat] Not necessarily. It can also be the result of a person going to a sauna or a pool with dirty water after getting a tattoo, and so on.
[Journalist] Tell us about normal and abnormal sensations when a tattoo is healing. Is it normal if it itches? Can you scratch it?
[Rinat] On the fifth day, it almost always starts to itch; this is a normal stage in the healing of any wound. You can't scratch it with your fingernails, but you can gently pat it with your palm or stroke it lightly. It is important not to damage the surface; the tattoo should heal quietly without mechanical damage.
[Journalist] So the main rule is not to damage the tattoo while it is healing?
[Rinat] Yes, it should heal gently on its own without unnecessary interference.
[Rinat] There have been allergic reactions and redness. It can be a slight itch that goes away quickly, or it can be something more serious.
[Journalist] Let's clarify that those who should not get a tattoo at all and who are at risk of a serious reaction usually already know about it: these are people with a long history of consultations with doctors who have been told directly that tattoos are not recommended for them.
[Rinat] Yes, that's right. If a new, unusual reaction suddenly occurs, you should immediately consult a dermatologist.
[Journalist] First to your studio?
[Rinat] Yes, of course, you can come to the studio for a consultation first. But if something looks serious, it's better to go to a doctor. Honestly, I don't remember any serious cases recently.
[Journalist] How many years have you been practicing?
[Rinat] Never in America. I've been tattooing since 2002, so 24 years in total.
[Journalist] So in more than 20 years of practice, you haven't had a single truly serious case with consequences from tattoos?
[Rinat] Maybe there were some. Allergies did occur, but for reasons beyond my control, and they were successfully treated with antihistamines.
[Journalist] How can a client understand that redness is normal and when it's time to sound the alarm?
[Rinat] If there is a slight pink halo around the tattoo, this is normal; it is a natural reaction of the skin to irritation. However, when bright red, burgundy, or purple inflamed areas, blisters, or sores appear around the pigment, this is not normal.
[Journalist] And does this happen more often in unprofessional studios where sterile conditions are not maintained?
[Rinat] Not necessarily. It can also be the result of a person going to a sauna or a pool with dirty water after getting a tattoo, and so on.
[Journalist] Tell us about normal and abnormal sensations when a tattoo is healing. Is it normal if it itches? Can you scratch it?
[Rinat] On the fifth day, it almost always starts to itch; this is a normal stage in the healing of any wound. You can't scratch it with your fingernails, but you can gently pat it with your palm or stroke it lightly. It is important not to damage the surface; the tattoo should heal quietly without mechanical damage.
[Journalist] So the main rule is not to damage the tattoo while it is healing?
[Rinat] Yes, it should heal gently on its own without unnecessary interference.
In the next part of the interview, we will talk about tattoo conventions and how to make your tattoo win a prize.