Aftercare

If your artist has applied Saniderm or Tegaderm, leave bandage on for 3-5 days. It is normal to see ink and plasma under the bandage. As long as the bandage is sealed around the edges (the tattoo itself is not exposed), do not remove the bandage for the allotted time. If the seal is broken (ie plasma is leaking out or water is getting in), remove bandage and refer to aftercare instructions below). Avoid doing any activity which will cause you to sweat, long and/or hot showers,  soaking your tattoo in any water, and sun exposure. Upon removal, wash well with a mild antibacterial soap (such as Dial Gold), pat dry with a clean paper towel,  let air dry for 20-30 minutes and then apply an unscented lotion. Wash once a day with antibacterial soap and apply unscented lotion after every wash for the next week. If tattoo looks dry, apply unscented lotion with clean hands.

If your artist did not apply Saniderm or Tegaderm, remove bandage in 1-2 hours. All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly. Wash with a mild antibacterial soap (such as Dial Gold) and lukewarm water. Take care to remove all traces of blood and plasma, as this will cause scabbing. Do not scrub the  tattoo with a wash cloth during the two week healing period. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Once dry, apply a thin coat of ointment. We recommend  Aquaphor. If your tattoo looks shiny, you’ve applied too much ointment.  Repeat this process at least 3x a day for the next 3-5 days. Once your tattoo begins to peel, you can switch to an unscented lotion.  Wash your tattoo at least once a day with your antibacterial soap and apply unscented lotion for the remainder of the two week healing period.

• Avoid picking, scratching or scrubbing your tattoo. This can cause ink to fall out or scar tissue.
•  Avoid soaking your tattoo. No baths, lakes, oceans, rivers, pools, etc for 3 weeks after getting a tattoo.
• Avoid public gyms for at least 3 weeks.
•  Wear only clean, breathable cotton clothes if  you must cover your tattoo. Make sure your  sheets are clean.
• Avoid letting pets around your tattoo for the next 3 weeks. Getting pet hair on your tattoo can cause an infection. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the shop or your artist.