Tattoo aftercare can vary from artist to artist, and even from tattoo to tattoo.  It really isn’t too complicated though!  First advice is to ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR ARTISTS RECOMMENDATION.  They know your skin.  They know how they put the ink in.  Uncle Bob’s friend, Randy does not, we assure you. Depending on what type of bandage you have, there are different processes to healing your tattoo.  If your artist used a standard GAUZE type of bandage, read below.  If your artist used a “Second Skin” type of bandage, skip below to the bullet points.

Generally speaking, the bandage is usually left on for up to 4 hours.  Sometimes, overnight is OK, too.  Once the bandage is removed, the tattoo should be cleaned with warm water, a mild soap, and just your clean fingertips.

At this point, patting it dry with a clean towel should suffice.  Now you can put on your lotion that was recommended to you by your artist.  Often times, this is either H2Ocean, Aquaphor, Eucerin, and Cetaphil, or Lubriderm. Applying thin coats, working it into the skin, as to not leave any excess on the tattoo, about 3 times a day.  Use clean hands!

Continue this process for about two weeks.  Once your tattoo peels (usually around day 5) the skin regenerates over the top of your tattoo.  Refrain from picking at your tattoo, at all costs.  The skin will fall away when it’s ready to. Sometimes there will be a shine on this new skin.  Don’t worry, though, as it will go away.  If you have any questions, call the shop and we’ll be happy to answer them!

During this process, it is important that you do not soak your tattoo.  This means no swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas, etc.  Showering, however, is great!  Wash your tattoo daily at minimum, and keep it clean!

 

 

  • Your artist may have your tattoo bandaged in what we call a “Second Skin” type of adhesive.  You’ll know if you have one, as it is clear, much like a Saran Wrap product.  We assure you that this is very different, indeed.
  • Your bandage will collect fluid.  While visually displeasing, this is very common.  It is a collection of blood, plasma, and residual ink.  Don’t worry though!  Your ink isn’t falling out!  It’s just a little extra ink.  Often times, this appears as a discolored “blister”, or an ink sac.  Again, this is totally normal!  Where it can become an issue is if any of this liquid leaks out.  If it does, this breaks the “seal” of the bandage.  The bandage should then be removed.  If your artist provided you with an extra bandage, you may put it on.  See below for “Installation Instructions”.
  • Ideally, these bandages stay on from 5-7 days total.  Sometimes this just isn’t practical.  But the longer you leave the bandage on, the quicker you will heal.  Feel free to get them wet in the shower.  That won’t affect anything.  However, stay out of bath tubs, saunas, pools, lakes, etc.  While it’s ok to get it wet, submerging it is a different story.  So don’t do it!
  • WHEN TO REMOVE THE BANDAGE
  • If your bandage has leaked, remove the bandage.  (Apply another one if your artist gave you some)  If you notice ANY redness on the outside of your bandage.  Look carefully, especially in the under arm or inner thigh, if your bandage is applied in those areas.  The skin is much more sensitive there.
  • HOW TO REMOVE YOUR BANDAGE
  • Make sure your in the shower when you remove it.  It’ll be a little gross after a few days of collecting fluids. Wash it off gently.  Fell free to use a mild soap, ideally an antibacterial soap if you have some.  Peel it off SLOWLY…  It’s not a race!  And you can damage your skin and new tattoo if you rip it off.  You may still need a little moisturization, so feel free to apply Hustle Butter, or even a small amount of white hand lotion, such as Lubriderm.  Stay away from petroleum based products such as Aquaphor, Vaseline, Neosporin, or Bacitracin.
  • INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
  • If your artist supplied you with extra bandages, fell free to take the first one off after 24 hours, or whatever is convenient.  Wash your tattoo and surrounding areas off with water, and get all of the fluid off of it.  Make sure you pat it dry, and don’t use any lotion at this stage, as you don’t want anything trapped under your bandage.   With clean hands, peel off the hard paper backing, and gently lay the clear part across your tattoo.  Be careful, as it’s super sticky.  The bandage should cover your tattoo and extend by 1 inch over the edges of your tattoo.  Next peel off the shiny backing.  This can be tricky!  If you have little strips of bandages, lay the next one on and repeat.  Make sure that you DON’T STRETCH YOUR SKIN OR PULL THE BANDAGE TIGHT!!!
  • If you have any questions, reach out to the studio or your artist.  As always, if you show any sign of infection, contact your health care provider!  Signs  of infection may include, but are not limited to fever, abnormal and excessive  swelling of the tattooed area, pus, red lesions, red streaking from the area, and excessive, prolong heat emanating from the tattoo.