Tattoo Aftercare - Bandage / Derm Shield

Remember : Your fresh tattoo is an open wound. Treat it as such.

The bandage is water resistant, not water proof. 

Do: shower

Do not: go swimming, submerge the tattoo in water, or work out / do cardio. No excessive sweating!. 

Always handle with clean hands.

1. Keep the bandage on for 4-7 days unless told otherwise. The tattoo will weap out excess ink, blood, and plasma that may pool into the bandage. This is normal. Please leave it alone.
2. Avoid direct sunlight (it will feel like your tattoo is getting sunburned or blistering. The derm shield may cause odd tanning. 
3. When it is time to remove the derm shield - remove it in the shower under the spray of warm water. Peel it back slowly and take your time. 

*If the bandage leaks, tears, or peels back and the tattoo is exposed then it is no longer sanitary. Peel off the derm and clean the area. Switch to traditional aftercare. 

Allergic reactions - if there is a rash, burning, or uncontrollable itching - remove the bandage and switch to traditional aftercare. 

A red ring, and minor irritation may occur when removing the derm - This is a normal reaction. The slower and more gentle you remove the derm the less reaction. 

1. Once the bandage is removed, wash the area with an antibacterial unscented soap. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel (no bath towels).  Apply a THIN layer of lotion or aftercare cream. Continue applying the thin layer of lotion daily for 2 weeks. Tattoos can take up to 4 weeks to be  fully closed and up to 6months to fully heal the skin. 

*The lotion must be unscented and preferably alcohol free. 

Do’s: Wash your hands every time you handle your new tattoo

Don’ts: Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, scratch or pick, shave over the tattoo, swim or soak, and do not heavily exercise. 

DO NOT SHARE AFTERCARE OINTMENTS, LOTIONS WITH OTHERS. EVEN YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. 

Trust your artist.

Remember: Your tattoo is an open wound. Treat is as so.

Let your tattoo breathe when safely at home.

Always handle with clean hands.

Do not let pets, kids, etc near fresh tattoos while healing. 

Do’s: shower and let it breath
Do not: go into direct sunlight, swim or submerge tattoo, and no excessive sweating (skip the gym and cardio until tattoo artist says otherwise)

1. Keep the tattoo clean, hydrated, and protected. The healing process takes up to two weeks. Your skin is fully healed in up to 6months.
2. Remove the covering after 2-3 hours. 
3. Clean gently with warm water, and an antibacterial unscented soap. 
4. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. No bath towels! 
5. Apply ointment in a thin layer to keep it protected and hydrated.
6. Avoid rewrapping the tattoo unless told otherwise.
7. Wash the tattoo 2-3 times a day to avoid build up of ointment and bodily fluids.(your tattoo will weap)
8. Switch to an unscented lotion after 4 days, applying it 2-3 times a day.
9. Do not pick your tattoo! Let skin, flakes and scabs fall off naturally!
10. Wear loose clothing while the tattoo is healing. Avoid tight, abrasive fabrics. 

Do’s: Wash your hands every time you handle your new tattoo 

Don’ts: Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, scratch or pick, shave over the tattoo, swim or soak, and do not heavily exercise. 

DO NOT SHARE AFTERCARE OINTMENTS, LOTIONS WITH OTHERS. EVEN YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. 

Trust your artist. 

Your tattoo is an investment. Please treat it as such.

Do not hesitate to reach out to your artist with any questions or concerns.