Congrats on your new tattoo! It’s an open wound, so we want to treat it as such. Simplicity in aftercare is a good standard. Common sense is not dead, let’s use it! Here are the basics, with a couple variations for different bandages.

 

YOUR BANDAGE:

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1. Plastic wrap: please take this off as soon as you can wash it. Plastic heats the skin and opens the pores. That makes for more “seeping” of clear fluids (more or less depending on the size of the tattoo). It’s not sanitary to have excessive fluids contained in plastic wrap.

2. Black pads: These can stay on anywhere from 1 hour to 5 hours. They are absorbent and non stick. Do not take them off until you are ready to wash.

3. Second skin/saniderm/tagederm: this bandage is an adhesive barrier film. It will protect your tattoo and accelerate healing in most cases. Unknown adhesive allergies are the most problematic factor, if redness/itching or burning sensations occur within hours of putting it on please take it off and take an antihistamine medication (not medical advise, only suggestion). This bandage is easier to take off the longer you wear it. As long as the bandage stays in place, isn’t leaking fluids, not pealing back; you may sleep wearing it, shower with it (not submerged) up to 5ish days. At anytime you are concerned, or uncomfortable with it, take it off. Gently stretch the film from a corner; it will lift from the skin. Slight redness around the tattoo is normal. It will not stick to the tattoo. Your tattoo may be nearly healed if you keep it on for more than 3 days. In this case you may simplify your aftercare to washing and moisturizing to 1-2 times per day.

 

WASHING

 

• Whichever bandage you have, upon removal, you must wash. Wash your hands first each time you need to touch your tattoo. The first 2-3 days the tattoo is the most susceptible to bacteria.

• Warm water and DIAL ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP (liquid, not bar soap). Gently wash your tattoo in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly until it is no longer “slimy.”

• Pat dry with paper towels, do not wipe, do not use bath towels.

 

MOISTURIZING

 

• Apply ointment. AQUAPHOR is the recommendation (or other safe ointment suggested by your tattoo artist). Spread the ointment in THIN layers starting with a small amount. A little goes as long way! Less is more! No ointment will help the tattoo heal faster by applying too much. The skin must breath.

• DO NOT USE ANYTHING WITH FRAGRANCE OR WEIRD STUFF ON YOUR TATTOO

• Pat or dab a new paper towel to remove excess ointment. It should not be shiny or have a “sheen”.

 

GREAT, YOU’RE DONE!

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JUST KIDDING...

You need to repeat this process 3-5 times a day for 2 weeks. Be diligent with your aftercare, you paid a lot of money for it. This part is all on you. Also the tattoo fairy will tattle on you to your tattoo artist. So be good! Also if you don’t follow after care procedures, your free touch up is void.

 

Flaking like a pealing sun burn is normal, a few scabbies is normal. More scabbing on bends is normal. Gooey yucky scabs or discharge: not normal (contact artist). Hot painful tattoo after a few days: not normal (contact artist)

 

DON’T BE A DUMMY

Do not pick, itch or scratch. It’s itchy, but you will potentially damage your tattoo… don’t do it. Keep animals away. Duh, germs and dander: staph infections, and the list goes on. Be mindful of stretching, bending, and pulling. You can tear your tattoo scab: scaring. Do not swim or soak in any body of water for 2 weeks. No exceptions. Tattoo fairy is watching. Stay out of the sun, 2 weeks. Wear sun block on your tattoo for at least 6 months if outside. Melanin skin layer needs time to heal. Do not re-bandage your tattoo. Wearing cotton clothing to protect is fine. If your clothing causes friction or hurts, don’t wear it. Jeans and pants with seams: ruin leg tattoos. Bra straps: ruin tattoos.

 

DO NOT TAKE ADVISE FROM FRIENDS OR FAMILY. THEY ARE THE WORST.

Just stick to the simple aftercare and you will be fine.

 

HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

Contact the studio or your artist directly. We are here to help and have seen it all. No question is a dumb or bad question. Better safe than sorry!

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUST AND SUPPORT! YOU DA BEST