How to Care for your New Tattoo

Tattoo Aftercare

  • After we’ve finished your new tattoo, I will bandage it with a second-skin bandage called Recovery Derm Shield or a traditional bandage, if preferred. Derm Shield is a clear, breathable, latex free, and water-resistant bandage to be worn for at least 24 hours, but can stay on up to three days.

    As you wear the bandage, you will notice it begin to look smudgy or see a build up of liquid underneath - this is completely normal. While wearing the Derm Shield you do not need to worry about washing or moisturizing your tattoo. Your body will produce healing fluids (a mixture of blood, excess ink, and plasma) which will keep your healing tattoo moisturized, and will provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to heal.

    However, if any of the fluid leaks out the edges of the Derm Shield bandage, then please remove the patch and switch over to the traditional dry healing method.

    You can shower with the bandage on, but make sure to remove it if water gets underneath the bandage, it rolls down exposing your tattoo, or causes redness or irritation.

    Please contact me and feel free to send photos if you have any questions while wearing the bandage. Everyone’s skin is different and will vary in the length of time it takes to heal.

  • When it’s time to remove your bandage, do so in the shower or the sink depending on the area tattooed. If showering, complete your normal shower routine, then begin removing the bandage.

    Lather the unscented antibacterial soap provided around the edges of the bandage and slowly stretch the bandage off, similar to removing a command strip. Pull down from one of the corners of the patch in the direction of your hair growth, pulling down and away from your body. Your bandage sticks to unbroken skin, not your tattoo, so it may be pretty stuck around it. Your tattoo may still be tender, so take your time removing your bandage, don’t quickly pull it off like a bandaid.

    Once the bandage is removed, wash it well with the antibacterial soap, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of aquaphor or unscented lotion provided in your aftercare kit.

  • Try to wash your new tattoo two to three times a day once the bandage comes off, applying a thin layer of ointment or unscented lotion after each wash.

    Your tattoo will take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal. Your tattoo will start to scab and peel (a bit like a sunburn) during the healing process, and may be very itchy. Scratching off the scabs will result in patchy healing, try gently patting the itchy area and applying moisturizer instead of scratching!

    Avoid swimming or soaking the tattoo in standing water for one month after being tattooed. Avoid direct sun exposure while your tattoo is healing and try to wear comfortable loose clothing.

    Once your tattoo has fully healed apply sunscreen to minimize fading and sun damage.

    I offer free touch ups within the first year of our appointment. Please email me or the studio to schedule a touch up appointment. If it is obvious that the piece as intentionally damaged/neglected during healing and needs to be fully redone you will be charged my usual hourly rate. Please allow the piece to fully heal before reaching out to schedule a touch up.

    Please contact me and feel free to send photos if you have any questions during the healing process. Everyone’s skin is different and will vary in the length of time it takes to heal. We would love to see your healed tattoo!