Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
How to care for your new tattoo
Second-Skin type bandage
We may apply a breathable, plastic, hypoallergenic, and waterproof bandage, such as , to your tattoo. This bandage allows moisture to escape and oxygen to enter, promoting breathability while flexing and moving with your body. If you have been given this type of bandage, keep it on for 2-3 days as long as it remains leak-free.
This bandage may also be known as Tegaderm/Tagaderm, Opsite, Tatu-Derm, or Saniderm to name a few.
After removing the bandage, please follow the regular aftercare instructions. If you notice any redness, itching, burning, hives, or any other abnormal symptoms around the bandage, remove it immediately under running water, wash the area, and continue with the standard aftercare instructions.
How to remove a second-skin bandage
Please follow these instructions for removing the bandage and cleaning your new tattoo:
- Leave the bandage on for 2-3 days, or remove it earlier if it becomes loose, bothers your skin, causes a reaction, or starts leaking.
- Begin by cleaning the area where your new tattoo is located. We recommend using liquid soap instead of bar soap because bar soap can collect dust and bacteria.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and use paper products to dry them. Even clean towels can have bacteria and lint.
- When removing the bandage, it’s best to pull it away like a command strip instead of peeling it back. This helps prevent the sticky residue from remaining on the skin.
- After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo with liquid soap several times to remove any remaining residue. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, fresh paper towel and follow your standard aftercare instructions.
Standard Aftercare
- Remove your bandage after 2-4 hours
- wash the tattoo gently with warm water and a mild liquid soap such as Dial Gold or Dr. Bronners. Make sure to remove any blood or plasma
- pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
- Apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare product, ensuring it’s not greasy, sticky, or shiny. Blot the area with a clean paper towel to remove excess product. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for about 2 weeks.
Keep in mind that it will take 3-4 weeks for your tattoo to heal enough for a touch-up, to resume working on a previous session, and for normal activities such as soaking the area or exercising.
Things to avoid
Remember to take care of your new tattoo. Avoid touching it with dirty hands or scratching it. Also, refrain from soaking it in water, wearing tight clothes over it, or using abrasive substances on it for the next 3 weeks. Your tattoo is not finished when you leave the shop. Proper healing is crucial. To ensure this, maintain hygienic care and use common sense. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
Recommended soaps for washing your tattoo include liquid Dial Soap and liquid Dr. Bronner’s. As for aftercare, your artist suggests using Aquaphor, White Lotion, or Hustle Butter. Each artist may have slightly different recommendations, so be sure to ask them if you’re unsure. Most touch-ups are guaranteed only if proper aftercare is followed.
Should you encounter any issues with your tattoo, please contact your tattoo artist and your doctor.