Aftercare Instructions

Everything you need to know about caring for your new tattoo

Please ask your tattoo artist about the best aftercare options for your body art. The placement of your tattoo may require unique care for that body part, therefore, your artist will have the best advice.

If your artist has given you a REGULAR bandage dressing...

Leave it on for at least a couple of hours, enough time for weeping to cease. Some bandages can remain on longer, but eventually you should remove it and wash any residual fluid off by the following day. There is no need to re-bandage.

If your artist has given you a SKIN bandage (ie: Saniderm, Dermshield, Tegaderm, etc.)...

Your skin bandage can be left on for up to 1 to 3 days. Some collection of blood & fluid under the bandage is normal. After removal of the bandage, gently wash your tattoo with mild, anti-bacterial soap & water, then let it dry thoroughly. Begin standard tattoo aftercare.

Note: If you have excessive weeping/fluid within the first 24 hours OR itchiness or redness under the bandage remove immediately, wash your tattoo, and start standard tattoo aftercare.

Removal instructions:

Carefully remove the first bandage. Peel the corner and slowly pull downward in the direction of hair growth. (Holding the bandage under the shower/sink is the easiest way to remove the adhesive.)
Wash the tattoo gently with anti-bacterial soap & water.
Dry skin thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.
If your artist has advised it, apply a second skin bandage. (Peel off white backing first, press onto tattoo, remove clear film). Do not wear more than 3 days.

Once all tattoo bandages are removed:

With clean hands wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial soap. Continue to wash it a few times a day to limit any contact with bacteria.
Over the next few days if your tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of ointment, non-scented lotion, or tattoo balm to moisturize your skin up to 3 times a day. If you can wipe any of it off, there is too much product applied to your tattoo. Remember, less is more when applying aftercare products. Skin needs to breathe.
When your tattoo has formed a new, protective layer of skin and/or begins to peel like a sunburn you can apply lotion as needed. Allow any peeling skin to fall off naturally.
After your tattoo is fully healed apply sunblock (30spf or higher) when you are going to be out for an extended period of time. This is the best defense against fading.

Pro Tips:

Most tattoos will heal on the surface in 1 to 3 weeks, but will take much longer to heal underneath the top layer of skin. Tattoos can change the texture of skin for a few weeks, up to several months. Eventually it will return to normal.
Avoid sleeping directly on a new tattoo. This can cause sheets/clothes to stick to it. If this should happen run warm water over it to ease it off.
DO NOT: pick, scratch, or soak your tattoo in water until it is completely healed. This includes baths, pools, lakes, hot tubs, etc. Showers are best.
Avoid direct sun or tanning bed exposure until you are fully healed. Always use sunscreen to prevent fading.
Itchiness is normal. Do not pick the skin, but for relief you can wash, moisturize, and gently massage the tattoo.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are all normal for fresh tattoos. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen, can alleviate any discomfort.
If you have a tattoo that you feel is not healing properly, please immediately stop by the studio to discuss it with your artist. Unfortunately, we will not be able to indentify possible issues with your tattoo with a phone call or email.