TATTOO AFTER CARE

If you have a Derm Shield Bandage, leave your bandage on for 24 hours and up to five days. This process helps collect the blood, pus and ink from the fresh tattoo, so please keep it on! It will help protect your clothing from staining, as well as protect your new tattoo. It is easiest to remove the wrap under warm running water, but try not to soak your tattoo.

If you have a plastic wrap bandage please keep it on for one hour or until you can get to a safe and clean place. After approximately one hour, take it off and throw it away.

Before handling your tattoo make sure to always wash your hands thoroughly. When washing your tattoo use an antibacterial and unscented hand soap (we recommend Dial Gold) and warm water. Do not use hot water. Lather your tattoo with soap and water, then rinse. If your tattoos still feels slimy, wash it again. Thoroughly rinse your tattoo and either let it air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub it dry. For the first few weeks at wash your tattoo several times a day. 

After washing, apply an unscented ointment that has not been contaminated or previously used. If it is out of a tube or squirt bottle make sure to wash the bottle before using. For the first few days after washing your tattoo apply an ointment to keep it hydrated. We recommend using Aquaphor which can be found at most drug stores. Apply sparingly, a thin layer is far better than a thick layer. 

After the first few days of moisturizing with an ointment, switch to a non-scented lotion for after you wash your tattoo. Aveeno, Eucerin, and Lubriderm are great brands available at drug store. 

For the first two weeks, avoid wearing tight fitting clothes that rub against your new tattoo. Avoid sleeping on your tattoo as well. Also be aware healing tattoos will leak ink slightly and can stain fabrics.

While your tattoo is healing avoid submerging it in any body of water. Pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc. put you at risk of infection and should be avoided at all cost. Showers are fine as long as they are short and not overly hot. Activities that cause excessive sweating should be avoided until fully healed.

Overexposure to the sun can also damage your tattoo as well. Do not apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it is fully healed, instead keep your tattoo clothed or away from direct sunlight.

Continue this process until your tattoo is fully healed, and remember not to pick, peel, or scratch your tattoo. Scabs and hard layers are part of the healing process, and picking them can damage your tattoo, remove color, or cause scarring.