Caring for Your New Tattoo:
Proper aftercare is essential for your tattoo to heal beautifully. The type of bandage we use depends on your tattoo’s size, style, and placement. We’ll choose between a Medical Grade Bandage, Cling Film, or Dry Pad to suit your needs.
1. Medical Grade Bandages (e.g., Second Skin/Saniderm):
What They Do: Breathable bandages that protect your tattoo from germs and bacteria.
How Long to Wear: 24–72 hours. You can shower with the bandage on. If the bandage starts to come off earlier than 24 hours, no worries! (See removal and cleaning instructions.)
What to Expect: Blood, plasma, and ink may build up under the bandage—this is normal.
Remove the Bandage If:
You experience skin irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction to the adhesive.
The bandage has partially fallen off or torn.
There’s excessive liquid buildup (e.g., a large bubble of fluid).
Water gets inside the bandage during your shower.
Removal Instructions:
Remove in the shower under running water.
Peel up a corner and pull slowly away from your skin, stretching the bandage gently to release the adhesive. Then follow cleaning instructions.
2. Cling Film:
Why We Use It: For tattoos where medical bandages or dry pads aren’t suitable (e.g., hand tattoos or larger pieces).
When to Remove: Take off the plastic film 2–4 hours after your appointment, then follow cleaning instructions.
3. Dry Pad:
Why We Use It: For larger tattoos or solid-fill work (e.g., blackout or color fill), as these tend to bleed more, which can cause Second Skin to fall off. Dry pads protect against germs and absorb excess blood and plasma overnight.
First Night: Keep the dry pad on overnight. Avoid sleeping directly on the tattooed area.
Morning After: Remove the dry pad and follow cleaning instructions.
Cleaning & Moisturizing:
Washing Your Tattoo:
1. Wash your hands with a pH-neutral, unscented, liquid soap.
2. Rinse the tattoo with warm water (not too hot) to open pores and gently wash away plasma, ink, and debris.
3. Use a pH-neutral, unscented soap to clean the tattoo. Foam the soap in your hands first, then apply it gently using light, circular motions.
4. Rinse with cold water to close pores, then pat dry with a clean paper towel (avoid regular towels as they can carry germs and bacteria).
Moisturizing:
With CLEAN hands, apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment (e.g., Bepanthen, Pegasus, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, or tattoo-specific balms) 2–3 times daily for minimum 2 weeks.
If your tattoo feels dry, apply more ointment as needed, but avoid over-moisturizing.
For blackout tattoos, wait 3–4 days (once peeling begins) before applying cream.
For 2 Weeks After Your Tattoo:
Wash your tattoo twice daily (morning and evening) with lukewarm water and pH-neutral soap.
A cold rinse isn’t necessary but can help reduce itching or discomfort.
Moisturize after washing.
What to Expect:
Soreness, itching, and peeling are normal. Do not pick or scratch—slap gently if itchy, moisturize, or run it under cold water. Let skin fall off naturally.
For large or solid-fill tattoos, peeling may be more noticeable.
For color tattoos, the colors may look more dull while healing. Once peeled, the colors will appear more vibrant.
Things to Avoid:
Sun Exposure: Keep your tattoo covered from direct sunlight for 2–4 weeks. Once healed, use SPF 50 sunscreen.
Water Activities: Avoid swimming, baths, saunas, and hot tubs for at least 2 weeks. Best if you can wait 3–4 weeks, especially for large tattoos.
Exercise: Light exercise is okay after 4–5 days; avoid sweating, heavy workouts, or contact sports for 2 weeks. Wash your tattoo after light exercise and apply cream.
Products: Do not use perfume, lotions, or non-tattoo-specific products on the tattooed area for 2–4 weeks.
When to Seek Help:
If you notice excessive redness, swelling, fever, or signs of infection, seek medical help and contact a doctor immediately.
Proper aftercare is your responsibility. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist.