There are many ways to care for a new tattoo and advice will vary depending on factors such as the size of the tattoo, location on your body, your previous experience with tattoos, and even your work environment. It’s best to avoid any unnecessary strain or stress on the tattoo while it is healing. The following is a general guideline that will help your tattoo heal as easily as possible.If you have any issues, questions, or concerns, please contact me!

REMOVING DERM SHIELD (THIN, SELF-ADHERING BANDAGE)

Leave on the bandage that I applied for 2-3 days, unless instructed otherwise by me.* It is typical, and perfectly fine for blood, ink, and other fluids to collect under the bandage during this time. You may shower with the bandage, just do not take a scorching hot shower. If you have pets, make sure to avoid getting pet hair on the tattoo. Working out and other activities may need to be altered during the healing process. I can advise you on the best way to go about your day-to-day life and still properly care for your tattoo.

*If your bandage starts peeling off and even partially exposes the tattoo to air, or if it leaks, remove the bandage as soon as possible with the steps below. 

1. Before removing the bandage, thoroughly wash your hands using a mild, unscented liquid soap with no dyes or harsh chemicals. We like Dr. Bronner’s soap, which is available at Target.

2. When you are ready to remove, take a warm shower or run the bandaged area under  warm water.

3. Slowly remove your bandage inch by inch under the water, being sure to start from the top and peel downward.

4. Once the bandage is off, lather the same soap in your hand and then gently clean the tattoo with your fingertips, removing the fluids that have collected on the area. Do not exfoliate or scrub, or use any loofahs or washcloths.

5. Rinse the tattoo until all of the soap is off, and then step out of the shower.  To avoid contact with unnecessary germs, do not pat dry or use a bath towel. Let the tattoo air dry, or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.  

AFTERCARE (NON-ADHESIVE BANDAGE APPLIED WITH TAPE)

Leave the bandage on for 2 to 4 hours or until you can remove it under clean conditions. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo while it is still fresh and susceptible to germs. There is no need to apply another bandage after the first has been removed.

*Before removing the bandage, thoroughly wash your hands using a mild, unscented soap with no dyes or harsh chemicals. We like Dr. Bronner’s Soap. After the bandage is removed, wash the tattoo gently with your clean fingertips. To avoid contact with unnecessary germs, do not pat dry with a bath towel. Let the tattoo air dry. Once the tattoo starts to get dry, you can start the following routine.

1. Apply a small amount of the unscented lotion to your tattoo. (You never want to over-moisturize the tattoo). One of the lotions I like is Eucerin (unscented, the fewer chemicals the better). Always wash your hands first and be gentle when applying lotion. This should be done 1 to 2 times daily.

2. Tattoos generally take 4-6 weeks to heal. Some scabbing may occur and it is very important to let these scabs fall off naturally. Never pick the scabs or pull them off! Scabs that are removed before they are ready to fall off naturally will often result in spotty coloring and longer healing times.

3. Wear loose, clean clothing around the tattoo. Let it “breathe” as much as possible. Some areas of the body, like feet, are often difficult to avoid covering. In these instances refer to the directions of your tattoo artist. Never submerge your tattoo underwater (no pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, etc). Don’t soak the tattoo.

4. Avoid direct sunlight and UV rays. Tanning is very bad for a healing tattoo. Sunblock is also bad for a healing tattoo. However, after your tattoo has completely healed, using sunblock will help reduce fading over the years.

ADHESIVE REACTIONS

Some people have sensitivities to adhesives. These can look like redness, swelling, or blistering around the edge of the bandage or underneath. If that’s the case, it’s best to carefully remove the bandage immediately and wash the area gently with unscented soap and water. Then, you can let me know know, but I am not a medical professional, please go seek the advice of a doctor.

TATTOO TOUCH-UPS

I want to make sure that your new tattoo looks amazing! All tattoos naturally fade over time, but I want to make sure it looks as nice as possible for as long as possible.

If you think your tattoo needs to be touched up, or if you have any issues at all with the tattoo, please contact me as soon as possible after it has healed for at least 4-6 weeks. I offer a free touch-up within the first year of your tattoo.