Aftercare instructions
Getting tattooed is an investment! Now it's time to take care of it :)
Your artist gave quick instructions, whether it's wearing your bandage for an extended time, replacing the bandage, or go the ol' tried-and-true method of "dry healing". Below are the details for your specific care.
Thanks for visiting and enjoy your new tattoo!
Clear bandage
Extended Wear (3-5 days)
Wear the transparent film dressing for 3-5 days.
Then gently remove the bandage, by slowly pulling at corners while running warm water over the area.
If the seal breaks at any point or the skin looks red or irritated around the bandage, remove the bandage immediately and continue following the "Once the Bandage is Off" directions below.
Clear bandage
Reapplication in 24 hours
Roughly 24 hours after getting tattooed, gently remove the bandage (peel from corners) while running warm water over the bandage.
Important: Do not rip or pull off when skin is dry. The bandage should have water running over it for 5-10 minutes before attempting to remove.
After removing the bandage, use your hands and wash the area thoroughly with a fragrance-free soap and warm water. Rinse well to remove all soap residue and blot dry with a paper towel. Do not rub.
Watch the reapplication video.
Using the new piece of bandage your artist gave you, peel the white side first, center and apply the bandage.
Once in place, then remove the clear slide via yellow indicator arrows. Wear the new piece for up to five days.
If the seal breaks at any point or the skin looks red or irritated around the bandage, remove the bandage immediately and continue following the "Once the Bandage is Off" directions below.
Once the Clear Bandage is Off
Follow these instructions after you have removed the bandage.
01
WASH
After removing the bandage, use your hands and wash the area thoroughly with a fragrance-free soap and warm water. Rinse well to remove all soap residue and blot dry with a paper towel. Do not rub.
02
MOISTURIZE
Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free lotion. At this point, the tattoo may begin to peel or look very dry. Your tattoo should NOT appear wet and gooey from the lotion.
03
KEEP CLEAN
Continue to wash the tattoo daily and apply a very small amount of lotion after each wash. Do this every day for 2 weeks.
04
EXTENDED CARE
Continue to wash and moisturize regularly until the skin is no longer dry and/or looks and feels similar to the rest of your skin texture.
Dri-lock pads
Dry Heal
Tomorrow morning, gently remove the bandage, using your hands and wash the area thoroughly with a fragrance-free soap and warm water. Rinse well to remove all soap residue and blot dry with a paper towel. Do not rub.
After you've washed the tattoo, cover the area with loose clothing. At this point, there's no need to use any ointments or lotions. Before you go to bed on night 2, rewrap with household plastic wrap.
Continue to wash the tattoo at least twice daily.
Typically, by day three, your tattoo will appear dry and itchy. At this point, you may begin using a very small amount of fragrance-free lotion merely to relieve the dryness.
Continue to wash and moisturize regularly until the skin is no longer dry and/or looks and feels similar to the rest of your skin texture.
Post tattoo rules
Do's & Don'ts
- Always keep your tattoo clean.
- Do not submerge the tattoo in ANY water or steam for at least two weeks. This includes baths, pools, saunas/steam rooms, etc.
- Do not pick or scratch
- No exercise for at least 3 days. Including running, weight-lifting, yoga, etc.
- Always keep your tattoo protected from the sun. You may begin using sunblock after the tattoo is healed completely.
- Your tattoo will remain bright and crisp if you take care of your skin. Remember...your tattoo can only look as good as your skin, so continue to moisturize daily.