Aftercare

TRADITIONAL BANDAGE

  • I will bandage you with an absorbent pad and cling wrap. Keep the bandage on the area for 2-4 hours after the tattoo. If you have an evening appointment, you can even sleep in the bandage if it feels secure (some placements will be impossible to keep the bandage on that long, like the torso, hands and feet, neck, etc.) Remove with clean hands and wash the area until blood and plasma are gone. Clean the area twice a day for 3 weeks, being very careful to follow the cleaning instructions down the page.

SECOND SKIN

  • The brand I use is called Dermshield and is latex-free. Please do not ask for second skin if you’re sensitive to adhesives. Keep the bandage on for 24 hours or up to 4 days. It’s best to avoid sweating with this type of bandage on. Full color or black work will have more drainage so this bandage could leak earlier than linework tattoos. A bit of fluid buildup underneath the bandage is totally normal as long as it stays contained.

  • If the second skin leaks fluid, or if the skin begins to look irritated around the edges of the bandage, remove it immediately and move on to normal aftercare. Remove the bandage by stretching gently like a command strip under warm running water. Be very careful to follow the cleaning instructions below. 

CLEANING YOUR TATTOO

  • Wash hands with soap prior to cleaning or touching the tattooed area. The tattoo will feel slimy the first wash from the plasma, and be sure to wash all the plasma and extra ink away.

  • Use a liquid soap like Dial Gold to wash the tattoo 2-3 times per day for 3-4 weeks. Avoid things like washcloths and bath towels since this can leave fibers and even introduce bacteria. Use a clean paper towel that you have stored in a clean place to gently dry, or air dry fully. Apply a very, very thin layer of Aquaphor or a specific tattoo balm like Hustle Butter after the skin is dry. After 3 days of using a balm, switch to using an unscented lotion on the area after cleaning. I cannot stress enough to use a very small amount. You can apply more if the lotion has fully absorbed and the area still feels excessively dry.

  • Some scabbing, bruising, swelling, and redness are very common. The tattoo may feel hot for a while.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

  • Drink plenty of water during healing and avoid alcohol the first couple of days. Fuel your body with healthy food. Maintain good hygiene (clean clothes, bedding, etc.)

  • AVOID: heavy exercise, swimming, soaking in water, direct sunlight, sunscreen, pets coming in contact with the tattooed area, itching/scratching/rubbing the area, and tight clothing for about 2 weeks. All of these things can make the tattoo more prone to infection and fading during healing.

  • Allow air exposure as often as possible.

  • NEVER rewrap your tattoo with cling wrap. You can protect your tattoo with loose fitting clothing that still allows it to breathe.

The tattoo will be healed in 3-4 weeks! After it’s healed, maintain the tattoo with regular moisturizing, and use sunscreen when entering direct sunlight. I offer free touch ups within 1 year, and future touch ups at my regular rate.