AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

KEEP IT CLEAN

Cleanliness is essential in the proper healing process of a tattoo. Once you remove your bandage, gently wash your tattoo with warm water and white, unscented soap. Use gentle motions to ensure all plasma & weeping is removed. Rinse completely under warm water before gently patting dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Wash your tattoo twice daily throughout the duration of the healing process. Keep in mind that your tattoo is susceptible to infection and irritation from outside abrasion & contaminants; do your best to keep yourself safe! Keep your tattoo clean, as usual! This includes pet dander, residual dirt on clothes, etc.

HOW ABOUT WATER?

Avoid submerging your tattoo for the first three to four weeks of healing. For example, hot tubs, baths, pools, rivers, etc. Taking a shower with your tattoo is totally okay! Simply try to avoid products running over your tattoo when possible. For example, shampoo, face or body wash. Just give that bad boy a quick wash as described above before jumping out of the shower & you will be good to go!

ALL ABOUT DERM

(That clear, “second skin” bandage)

Leave on/remove your bandage as directed by your artist - the advice they give is based upon their tattoo style and upon you as an individual client. It is generally recommended each bandage be worn 24-48 hours. The easiest way to remove your bandage is to remove at the end of your shower - the warmth will help the adhesive loosen as well as allowing for ease while cleaning and rinsing your fresh tattoo. To remove your bandage, begin by rolling down at an edge of your wrap. Pull in a downward motion rather than an outward motion - this will help reduce discomfort in removal as well as helping the bandage not to damage your skin. You will likely see some ink and other fluids leak out at this point. Gross, but totally normal. Always apply a new bandage to freshly washed, dry tattoos with approximately 2 centimeters of bandage border around your entire tattoo to allow the bandage to adhere to your skin, as it does not adhere to wet or freshly tattooed skin.

SCABBING & PEELING

After a few days you will notice the skin around the tattoo start to peel or flake - sometimes compared to a sun burn peel. This is totally normal, and means in fact that your healing process is nearing it’s end! During this time your tattoo may be more itchy or dry; do not scratch, pick or peel your new tattoo! Some clients find icing their tattoos helps ease swelling & itch. Moisturize sparingly to your comfort level, using plain white unscented lotion - nothing too thick to allow the skin to receive the oxygen needed to properly heal. Keep in mind, too much moisture is detrimental to a fresh/healing tattoo!

WHAT TO WEAR, WHAT TO WEAR?

While your tattoo is healing, especially within the first week, it is very vulnerable to infection and damage; use your personal judgement and follow advice from your artist. Keep your tattoo clean, as usual! This includes pet dander, residual dirt on clothes, etc. Try to avoid direct abrasion as it will irritate your new tattoo. Wear more roomy clothing if possible or if required by placement of your tattoo. Have any questions or looking for suggestions? Contact me or call the shop and ask anytime! Clear Derm bandage is a great option for people needing to meet certain requirements within the first few days or weeks of healing. For examples, nurses, personal trainers, dog groomers, etc.