Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
These tattoo aftercare instructions will help you care for your new tattoo and promote proper healing.
Use these steps to care for your new tattoo properly
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.
Learn how to remove a second skin tattoo bandage safely
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 Tattoo Aftercare
- Remove your bandage after 2-4 hours
- Wash your tattoo gently with warm water and a mild liquid soap such as Dial Gold or Dr. Bronner’s. 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.
Please note that it will take 3-4 weeks for your tattoo to heal sufficiently for a touch-up, to resume work on a previous session, and to return to normal activities, such as soaking the area or exercising.
Things to avoid
It may seem obvious but be mindful and remember to take care of your new tattoo.
Avoid touching it with dirty hands or scratching it, even if itching occurs. Also, refrain from soaking it in water, wearing tight clothes over it, excessive sun exposure, or using abrasive substances on it for the next 3 weeks. Your tattoo is not finished when you leave the shop—tattoo aftercare plays a major role in how your tattoo heals and settles into the skin. Proper healing is crucial. To ensure this, maintain hygienic care, follow your artist’s instructions, 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 tattoo aftercare recommendations, so be sure to ask them if you’re unsure. Most touch-ups are guaranteed only if proper aftercare is followed.
Tattoo healing takes time – our tattoo aftercare instructions are intended to help avoid complications like infection, excessive scabbing, or faded ink. Should you encounter any issues with your tattoo, please contact your tattoo artist and your doctor.