Your tattoo is an open wound, so treat it as such.

Bandage: Saran Film or Derm Shield

Saran Film: For those allergic to adhesives this provides a temporary barrier, please take this off as soon as you are home and can wash it. Continue reading below to the Washing and Moisturizing section.

Derm Shield: This bandage is an adhesive barrier film. It will protect your tattoo and accelerate healing in most cases. Unknown adhesive allergies are the most common problematic factor. If redness/itching or burning sensations occur within hours of putting it on please take it off and take an antihistamine medication (not medical advice, only a suggestion).

As long as the bandage stays in place, and isn’t leaking fluids, or not peeling back, you may sleep wearing it or even shower with it (not submerged) for up to 3-4 days. If at any time you are concerned, or become uncomfortable with it, take it off.

Gently stretch the film from a corner and it will lift from the skin. Slight redness around the tattoo is normal. Your tattoo may be nearly healed over with new skin if you keep it on for more than 3 days. In this case you may simplify your aftercare to washing and moisturizing with unscented alcohol free lotion 1-2 times per day. Please wash your tattoo before reapplying a fresh layer of lotion.

WASHING:

• Whichever bandage you have, upon removal, you must wash your tattoo by hand gently making sure to remove any build up of residue. Wash your hands first before you touch your tattoo.

• Warm water and unscented DIAL ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP (liquid, not bar soap). Gently wash your tattoo in circular motions with your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly until it is no longer covered in plasma, blood, or ink.

• Pat dry with clean paper towels, do not wipe, do not use bath towels.

MOISTURIZING:

• Apply a healing ointment, I recommend AQUAPHOR. Spread the ointment on THIN starting with a small amount. A little goes a long way. Over applying ointment will not help the tattoo heal faster.

• DO NOT USE ANYTHING WITH FRAGRANCE OR ALCOHOL ON YOUR TATTOO If you are unsure, read the product's ingredients list.

• Pat or dab with a clean paper towel to remove excess ointment. It should not be shiny or glossy.

You need to repeat this process 3-5 times a day for 2 weeks. Be diligent with your aftercare, you paid a lot of money for it. This part is all on you, if you don’t follow after care procedures, your free touch up is voided.

Peeling like a sunburn is normal, a few scabs are normal. More scabbing on bends like knees and elbows is normal.

Do not pick, itch, or scratch you can potentially damage your tattoo. Don’t do it.

Keep animals away. Germs, dander, and staph infections can be caused by our pets.

Be mindful of stretching, bending, and pulling. You can tear your tattoo scab, and that may lead to scarring.

Do not swim or soak in any body of water for 2 weeks. No exceptions. Flesh eating bacteria is very real.

Stay out of the sun, or cover up. Your tattoo may look healed after 2 weeks but skin requires a bit more time to fully heal. At this stage avoiding the sun is a great idea. If you can’t avoid it at all, a high spf sunblock will work.

Do not re-bandage your tattoo. Wearing cotton clothing to protect yourself is fine.

If your clothing causes friction or hurts, don’t wear it.

Jeans and pants with seams can ruin leg tattoos.

Bras and bra straps can ruin tattoos.

DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM FRIENDS OR FAMILY.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

Contact me directly.

I’m here to help and I have your best interest at heart.