How to Heal Your Tattoo

This is a helpful list of things to do to keep your tattoo looking great after you leave the studio. 
The healing process is just as important as the tattoo process so please follow the directions and 
​contact us if you have any questions.
 

 

Tattoo Aftercare

 

Keep the bandage for at least 2 hours, overnight is preferred  but  not longer than 24 hours. Remove the bandage in the shower. Clean the tattoo gently with clean hands/fingertips and warm water; do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Use a fragrance free liquid soap such as such as Dr. Bronners or Dial Antibacterial Soap (do not use bar soaps). Wash until the tattoo no longer feels slimy to touch. Pat/blot dry with a clean paper towel and always let your tattoo air out about 15 minutes before applying any lotion, you might not need lotion your first day.

DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo. Let it breathe with loose clean cotton clothing or exposed to the air (just not direct sun). Wash your hands and apply a small amount/light coat of a clean, fragrance-free lotion such as Aquaphor or Curel 2-3 times a day maximum with clean hands for 2 weeks or until your tattoo is healed. I recommend allowing your tattoo to air dry after washing before applying any lotion, and always making sure to rub your lotion into your tattoo instead of slathering a layer on and leaving it.

Always handle your tattoo with clean hands and don’t let people touch your new tattoo!

Starting about day four, your tattoo will start to peel/exfoliate and the temptation to pick and scratch will be great. Do not peel, pick or scratch. Itching can be relieved by applying a bit more lotion, or by gently slapping the tattoo. Use common sense.

 

Tegaderm / Tagaderm / Tattooderm

Occasionally I use a product called Tegaderm on my clients, it is a breathable, plastic, hypoallergenic, waterproof bandage that Allows moisture to escape and oxygen to enter for breath-ability. It flexes and moves with the body. If I have applied this to your tattoo, keep the tegaderm on for 2-3 days, or as long as it will stay on. 

Once the bandage comes off follow the aftercare instructions like normal. 

If you experience any redness around the tegaderm, itching, burning, hives, or anything that doesn't seem normal, remove the tegaderm immediately under running water, wash and start the aftercare instructions as normal.

DURING THE HEALING PROCESS

DO wear loose, clean cotton/soft clothing and/or expose to air, not sun.
DO NOT swim, sauna, or Immerse in water (Please do shower and wash your tattoo)