Aftercare

If using second skin bandage; Leave bandage on for 2-5 days, unless you are experiencing a negative reaction to the bandage, at which point remove immediately. Remove bandage under warm water.

If using a non-adhesive plastic (saran) or absorbent wrap; Leave wrap on for no more than 4 hours.

Watch for negative reactions; A negative reaction to your bandage can look like, redness, swelling, itching and in extreme cases, blistering around the edges of the bandage itself, not necessarily around the tattoo. You may also experience an allergic reaction to the pigments used in your tattoo. This can present itself as an infection, pimples, weeping, prolonged redness and pain. If you experience any negative reaction, contact your artist or medical physician with your concerns. Avoid asking for advise from friends, family, or internet searches.

Wash tattoo; once bandage or wrap is removed, wash your tattoo gently, no less than 2 times daily, with unscented anti-bacterial, liquid soap, pat to dry with a paper towel or allow to air dry. Only touch your tattoo with clean hands.

Do not partake in activities causing sweating; sweat can carry bacteria into your tattoo. Avoid things such as working out, tanning beds, sunbathing, saunas, infrared treatments, hiking, etc.

Do not itch or scratch; If your tattoo feels itchy it is best to moisturize, slap or pat your tattoo. Itching or scratching your tattoo will result in poor healed results.

Clothing and accessories; Avoid tight, abrasive and non-breathable clothing over your tattoo. Avoid wearing watches, jewelry, and undergarments such as bras, lace or corsets over your tattoo. Ensure your clothing and bedding are clean during your tattoos healing.

Moisturize; Using a small amount of the aftercare product provided to you by your artist, moisturize your tattoo anytime your tattoo feels tight, dry or itchy (roughly 3-9 times daily). Do not over moisturize as you can create breakouts on your skin. Do not allow tattoo to dry out as you can create painful cracking and/or flaking skin. An unscented lotion will suffice if you are without your provided aftercare product. DO NOT use straight vitamin E, aloe vera, glitter, shimmers, fragrances or SPF on your tattoo during the healing period.

Do not soak your tattoo; You can shower as normal, as early as the same day of receiving your tattoo (you can shower with the second skin bandage on as well), just be sure to not soak your tattoo. Examples – avoid swimming, baths, lakes, hot tubs, etc.

Protect from the sun; While your tattoo is healing you want to stay out of direct sunlight by remaining in shaded areas or wearing loose clothing to cover the tattooed area. When your tattoo is fully healed UV rays from the sun can cause premature, permanent fading of your tattoo. Be sure to use SPF to protect your tattoo, only once your tattoo is fully healed.