Tattoo Aftercare.
How you treat your new tattoo will determine the healed result — Please follow these directions carefully to maximize healing and avoid infection.
Your artist will clean your new tattoo and apply a clear plastic bandage. These unique ‘second-skin’ bandages are designed to provide superior protection and healing, and currently, we are using Hypafix, Ultraderm, and Dynarex. Your bandage is waterproof, so you can shower and carry on with life as usual, but it’s not recommended to submerge your new tattoo fully underwater. You can keep your second-skin bandage on for up to 7 days.
If you notice fluid buildup inside the bandage, poke a small hole near the bottom with a clean needle to allow the excess fluid to drain. Don’t worry, your body is healing your new tattoo inside the bandage!
When it’s time to remove the bandage (after 5-7 days, or sooner if it begins to lift on its own), thoroughly wash your hands and carefully peel the bandage from your skin.
Use a mild, unscented soap to keep the tattoo clean while it heals — usually for 5-7 days. Once scabs begin to form, you can use an unscented moisturizer to provide relief from itching and to hydrate your new tattoo. Repeat for as long as needed. Do not rub moisturizer into an open wound.
————
Things to Avoid
Do not touch the area with dirty hands.
Do not pick or scratch the area — this can affect how your tattoo heals.
Do not swim, use a sauna or hot tub for 4-6 weeks.
Avoid direct, prolonged sun exposure to the area for 4-6 weeks.
Protect your tattoo for life — use sunscreen daily once your tattoo is healed!
————
Touch-ups
Touch-up appointments should be booked no less than 4 weeks after the initial procedure. Insisting on an early touch-up can result in scarring.
Artists are not responsible for touch-ups on areas of the body that are likely to fade (hands, feet, etc.). You may book a new appointment to discuss touch-ups in these areas.
————
Additional Notes
If you need to use a cold compress, fold a wet paper towel and place it in a clean baggie in the fridge. Once chilled, gently apply to the tattooed area for a few minutes at a time.
If you feel heat or swelling after a few days, please feel free to contact your artist or a doctor. It’s rare, but a bacterial infection may occur if you have not followed the aftercare instructions.
For any further questions, please contact your artist through email or our shop phone number.
————————————————