OUR SHOP
AFTERCARE
Always wash your hands before caring for your new tattoo
BANDAGES
If your tattoo is covered with a clear adhesive bandage (DermShield), keep it on for 1-3 days. If it is your first time using it, we suggest 1-2 days max to test sensitivity. Since your bandage is waterproof, you can shower with it on during this time period (just don’t submerge it for prolonged periods of time). You may see blood and/or fluid under the bandage, this is part of the healing process and won't harm your tattoo. If fluid is leaking from the bandage or if you notice any redness/itching around the bandage edges, remove it promptly.
We recommend removing your bandage in the shower, as the warm water will help loosen the adhesive as you begin peeling. Start at the bottom of the bandage, and pull straight down, as close to your skin as possible (like a command strip) for the most easy and pain free removal. Some redness in the bandage area can be normal after removal, but if prolonged redness or irritation persists for more than a couple of days, seek medical attention.
If your tattoo is covered with a non-adhesive pad and sport tape, leave it on for about 6-12 hours, maximum overnight.
WASHING & SUCH
After removing either style of bandage, wash your tattoo with non-scented, liquid soap and warm water, using your clean hands. Pat dry with a paper towel or let air dry. Do this 1-2 times daily until the scab is fully healed.
After washing, keep your healing tattoo hydrated by applying a THIN amount of natural, unscented lotion or oil.
Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get it wet - just don't soak or scrub it. Submerging your tattoo for prolonged amounts of time in water will disrupt the healing process and very likely create an infection, so avoid soaking for about 2 weeks or until fully healed. This includes hot tubs, bath tubs, pools, etc.
OTHER NOTES
Working out is OK after a few days of healing and when the bandage is off, but protect your tattoo from any gym equipment and make sure to wash it afterwards.
In the process of your new tattoo healing, it will likely become a little itchy. Don’t scratch or pick at it! It will peel, but let dead skin fall off naturally. This is a good sign and indicates your tattoo is almost healed.
Sun or UV exposure can cause a breakdown of pigments in the ink. To keep your lines crisp, we suggest keeping all fresh tattoos covered from UV exposure during healing and using sunscreen after 2 weeks of healing time moving forward.
If you feel your tattoo isn’t healing properly, feel free to email any questions. If you experience abnormal symptoms after the procedure such as: infection, yellow or green pus discharge from the tattoo site, extreme pain, or swelling, please seek medical attention immediately. These events are unlikely with proper care and attention, but should not be taken lightly.