Aftercare Instructions
Depending on your artist, tattoo placement, and overall size, your artist will have provided one of three bandage options for you. Please find your bandage type below to learn more about how to care for your new tattoo.
Other advice of note
- Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist. Different artists may have varying preferences for aftercare, and it’s essential to adhere to their recommendations for the best healing results.
- Protect your healing tattoo from direct sunlight. UV rays can be harmful to the newly tattooed skin and may slow down the healing process. If your tattoo is in an exposed area, consider wearing loose clothing or applying a high-SPF sunscreen.
- Do not submerge your new tattoo in any sort of water for an extended period of time. Quick showers are fine but swimming, bathtubs, sink dishes, etc. are not recommended for at least 14 days after your tattoo was applied.
- Loose, non-restrictive clothing is best for the first 4-7 days after. If you’ve been tattooed in an area that requires elastic bands (underwear or bra lines), try to go for a wider band so there is more even pressure applied and less cutting/digging.
- Never pick or scratch at your healing tattoo.
- If you are concerned about the status of your healing tattoo, please contact your artist or the shop immediately to receive further specific instructions.
If you left with a Second Skin Bandage
Recovery Derm Shield is a light, water-resistant composite film bandage comprising of three layers: EVA film, matte PU film, and glassine. The matte PU film, which is the part of the bandage that remains on and protects the skin after tattooing, allows for optimal breathability and ductility when compared to glossy film bandages. It is hypo-allergenic and contains no silicone or latex.
This initial wrap should remain on for the recommended duration, typically between 24 hours to 4 days. If at any point your bandage feels hot, irritated, or uncomfortable, please remove immediately following the instructions below.
Remove the Bandage Carefully
Peel your bandage off slowly to avoid any unnecessary stress on the newly tattooed skin by lifting a corner and stretching the plastic out away from your body — like a Command Strip. If you notice redness or slight irritation on the skin surrounding your tattoo, this is normal and should dissipate fairly quickly.
Clean the Tattoo
Gently clean the tattooed area with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Use your fingertips or a damp paper towel to avoid irritation. After cleaning, pat the tattooed area dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing. Repeat this process 1-2 times daily for the duration of your healing process.
Moisturize Your Tattoo
Once your tattoo has started to tighten or peel you are welcome to apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer or coconut oil to keep the skin hydrated. However, be cautious not to over-moisturize, as excessive moisture can not only hinder your healing, but cause irritations and infections. Moisturizing is not a requirement in the healing process, it merely makes it more comfortable while healing.
Derm Shield is available to purchase by the public through their website, if you’d like a roll for home use or rebandaging a fresh tattoo.
Derm Shield is available to purchase by the public through their website, if you’d like a roll for home use or rebandaging a fresh tattoo.
If you left with a Saran Wrap Bandage
Saran Wrap bandages are typically reserved for large-scale tattoos or for those too sensitive for the Derm Shield bandage. Typically, your artist will apply several dry-loc pads over your tattoo before wrapping it in Saran Wrap and securing it with co-ban wrap. This ensures that you will be able to move comfortably without your bandage shifting or leaking. This initial wrap serves to protect the tattoo from external contaminants and provides a barrier against bacteria.
Leave it on for a Short Period
The initial wrap should only be left on for a short duration, typically 2-8 hours. The purpose is to allow the tattoo to seep out excess ink and fluids while preventing dirt and bacteria from entering the wound. You can sleep with this bandage on but it must be cleaned upon waking. The bandage can be removed by unwrapping or with scissors; be careful not to catch your skin or the tattoo with the blades.
Clean the Tattoo
Gently clean the tattooed area with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Use your fingertips or a damp paper towel to avoid irritation. After cleaning, pat the tattooed area dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing. Repeat this process 1-2 times daily for the duration of your healing process.
Moisturize Your Tattoo
Once your tattoo has started to tighten or peel you are welcome to apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer or coconut oil to keep the skin hydrated. However, be cautious not to over-moisturize, as excessive moisture can not only hinder your healing, but cause irritations and infections. Moisturizing is not a requirement in the healing process, it merely makes it more comfortable while healing.
If you left with No Bandage
You must be a regular and a professional! Rarely, if ever, should you leave a tattoo shop without a bandage. If this happens to be the case, please refer to the instructions above to begin the cleaning and moisturizing process.
