Tattoo Aftercare
We use tattoos with breathable bandages designed for tattoo aftercare
After your tattoo, your artist will dress your tattoo with a bandage. You’ll leave the shop with the bandage on and follow these steps. If you prefer not to use a bandage because of adhesive allergies or any other reason, just let the artist know. Alternatively, the artist can dress your tattoo with some ointment and plastic wrap which will keep you protected on your way home.
At The Shop
Option 1
Heal with Bandages
If you’re using tattoo aftercare bandages to heal your tattoo, your tattoo will be bandaged for 3-5 days and you may need to change the first bandage after day one. Your artist will give you specific instructions about how long to keep the bandage on and whether you may need to change it. If your artist thinks you may need to change it, they will give you an extra bandage(s) to take home with you.
There’s a video on our instagram highlights showing how to change the bandage in case you need to.
You will likely see ink and blood under your bandage. This is normal. At the very least, your tattoo will look a little fuzzy under the bandage. And your tattoo may be completely obscured by liquid and ink under the bandage. This is also normal. However, if liquid is getting out of the bandage, you should take the bandage off, clean your tattoo and use a second bandage or skip to Option 2 below.
If you have any problems with your bandage, or if you need to take it off early, no worries! Skip to Option 2 below.
Option 2
Heal with Ointment
If you will not be keeping your tattoo bandaged, you’ll use a healing ointment for 3-5 days. After washing with gentle anti-bacterial soap, apply a THIN layer of Aquaphor and massage into the skin to the point where it just barely looks moist. Repeat this process for 2 to 3 times a day for 3-5 days.
Moisturize
Apply unscented moisturizer for a week or two
After steps above, use moisturizer for a week or two. Use a nice, unscented one like Aveeno, Lubriderm, Cetaphil, etc. Your tattoo may peel like a sunburn. (It is normal to see colored flakes of skin shedding) If it does scab, this is nothing to worry about, just let them fall off on their own. DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK AT THEM and do NOT over-soak in the shower. This leave blank spots that will need touching up.
Keep Clean
Keep your tattoo clean with soap and water
Especially if you aren’t using the bandages, the most important part of your tattoo healing is keeping it clean with soap and water! Wash it regularly with antibacterial soap and water. Make sure to do this especially after exposing it to potentially dirty or germy situations.
No Sun or Soaking
During the healing process: NO SUN, NO SWIMMING, NO JACUZZIS, NO OCEAN, NO SOAKING in water of any kind! (2-3 weeks)
Take it Easy
Especially while you are bandaged, avoid the gym and any activity that will cause excessive movement, friction, heat, or sweating at the area of your tattoo. For big, or heavily-shaded tattoos. it might be better to wait a few more days. Use your judgement based on how your tattoo looks and feels.
Sunblock Forever
After your tattoo is healed…. use SUNBLOCK, this will help it look like new longer. Think of it this way, you are looking THROUGH the skin at the ink underneath much like a picture in a frame with glass over it. The better you take care of the glass/skin the better the picture/tattoo looks underneath.