Following the aftercare given by your artist is an important factor in your healing process. Please feel free to contact us or stop in if you have any questions about healing your new tattoo.
Some of our artists will provide you with Tegaderm (also known as Saniderm, Tattooderm, or Fixomul) bandage. This method of healing is a little different, so it's important to follow these steps carefully.
Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from contamination and will also protect your clothes and sheets from excess ink, blood and fluids that are the normal by-product of healing a tattoo. You can shower normally while healing, but please abstain from swimming or submerging your tattoo in any bodies of water.
Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with Tegaderm. Leave the bandage on for five full days.This is all that you are required to do for the first five days.
On day six, remove your bandage slowly and carefully. Running the bandage under warm water will help to loosen the adhesive. Discard this Tegaderm. After removing the bandage, clean thoroughly with a liquid hand soap and warm water. You can use a fragrance-free lotion on your tattoo for the next two days. At this stage, stop doing anything to your tattoo for roughly 6 weeks. Most importantly, DO NOT moisturize your tattoo after the second day. After the six-week mark, a bit of lotion every day will greatly improve the appearance of your new tattoo.
Traditional aftercare method with regular washing and moisturizing.
Remove your bandage after a few hours. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap. Gently dry your tattoo. There is no need to rebandage.
Your tattoo should be GENTLY washed three times a day for two weeks. Wash with warm water and gentle hand soap - no fragrances; and should always be done by hand, do not use a washcloth, clean hands only! Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, plain, hand lotion like Lubriderm or Aquaphor 2-3 times a day. Lotions should be used very sparingly and should absorb within a few moments. If there is lotion sitting on your tattoo, you have applied too much and can gently blot the excess with a paper towel. Using too much lotion will adversely affect your new tattoo.
In 2-3 days, your tattoo will begin to flake. Do not pick at your new tattoo. Do not submerge your tattoo in pools, baths, hot tubs, or other bodies of water for at least six weeks.
Keep your new tattoo clean. Showering is okay and always wash your hands before touching.
Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning bed.
Overall, the healthier you are, the faster you will heal. Drink plenty of water!
The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a rash or red, bumpy skin around the area of the tattoo.
In some cases, your skin may just be irritated because of the needle, especially if you have sensitive skin. If this is the case, your symptoms should fade after a few days.
But if these symptoms continue for a week or more, see your tattoo artist or doctor.
Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out.