Tattoo Aftercare
Cling wrapped tattoos -
The fresh tattoo will be wrapped in a cling wrap with a layer of ointment underneath
Leave this on for two hours
Wash your hands and remove the wrapping to gently clean the tattoo with warm or cool water and a non-scented soap. Antibacterial is best.
Dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel - avoid your commonly used towel for the chance of introducing bacteria.
Leave unwrapped and start using a thin layer of lotion or ointment the following day. A non-scented lotion, Aquaphor or vitamins A&D is most commonly recommended- always check ingredients for allergens.
This should be applied no more than two times a day- clean the tattoo and pat dry then apply ointment with clean hands.
After 3-5 days or when you notice the tattoo peeling (similar to a sunburn - can be quite light or heavier depending on the piece) switch from an ointment to a non-scented lotion- most brands should be ok but again check ingredients for allergens. Its best to use something you know won’t irritate your skin.
In general-
Showering with your new tattoo is totally OK- just avoid any other soaps or products and hot water (it may burn a bit). No bathing or soaking your tattoo and avoid any water that may have bacteria (pools, lakes, rain).
Avoid picking at your tattoo while it is peeling this will disrupt the healing process.
Keep it out of direct sunlight for the first two weeks while it is healing - after this time you can start using a sunscreen.
Derm shield Bandaged tattoos -
A transparent bandage will be applied to your new tattoo - it is recommended to keep this bandage on for 3-5 days
Take the bandage off early if you notice redness in the area of the bandage - this may be from irritation or an allergic reaction.
Take the bandage off early if you notice sweat building up underneath or water from your shower seeps in.
Also remove early if the bandage peels back and is no longer covering part of the tattoo.
It is easiest to remove the bandage under running water - take an edge and gently pull away (like removing a command strip).
Once the bandage is removed gently clean the tattoo with warm or cool water and a non-scented soap. Antibacterial is best.
Dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel - avoid your commonly used towel for the chance of introducing bacteria.
Leave unwrapped and start using a thin layer of ointment. Aquaphor or vitamins A&D is most commonly recommended- always check ingredients for allergens.
This should be applied no more than two times a day- clean the tattoo and pat dry then apply ointment with clean hands.
After 3-5 days (from when the tattoo was done) or when you notice the tattoo peeling (similar to a sunburn - can be quite light or heavier depending on the piece) switch from an ointment to a non-scented lotion- most brands should be ok but again check ingredients for allergens. Its best to use something you know won’t irritate your skin.If you notice anything concerning feel free to reach out to your artist- excess irritation, prolonged redness or scarring may be due to allergic reaction or infection - in this case you will be advised to reach out to your doctor.