Aftercare

Remove the bandage after 2 hours, but no more than 12. Don't remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo. Wash the tattoo with mild soap and warm water. Wash with your hands, cleaning off any plasma and slimy buildup. Pat dry with a paper towel and let air dry for 15 minutes before applying ointment.

Apply Aquaphor or specialty tattoo ointment to the tattoo as needed. Apply a small amount in order to keep the tattoo slightly moist and shiny, but not smothered.

For the first few days treat your tattoo like the open wound it is.

Clean it 3-5 times a day... more often if the area gets sweaty or dirty, and then apply ointment as needed. Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel, usually 4-5 days.

When the peeling begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. At this point simply keep the tattoo clean, and begin to use a scent free, dye free lotion as needed. Always let the tattoo dry out completely before applying more lotion.

The healing tattoo should never stay submerged in water.

It's also important that a fresh tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environments (like the gym). All normal activities involving water can usually be resumed after 10-14 days, when the tattooed skin feels normal.

NEVER pick at the cracked and flaking skin. The area will become dry and itchy, and a good quality, fragrance-free lotion can now be used until the skin returns to its normal texture.

Keep your new tattoo out of the sun for 3 weeks. Use sunblock with a SPF rating of 45+ to keep your tattoo from fading.

If your tattoo is still inflamed, red, discharging fluid, developing white spots, or painful after a week please reach out to the studio or consult a doctor.

Derm Shield is a breathable tattoo bandage that is latex-free and water resistant. Similar brands include Saniderm and Second Skin.

Leave the Derm Shield on for 5 days. If the Derm shield is left on for the full 5 days, simply remove it, wash it with mild soap and water and keep the tattoo clean. Use lotion as needed whenever the tattoo dries out fully. If the Derm Shield is removed during the 5 days, wash and dry the tattoo and either begin the traditional healing method or apply another piece of Derm Shield.

Derm Shield allows the tattoo to breathe, but it is also a moisture barrier; that also means that any excess ink, blood or plasma that weeps out of a new tattoo will be trapped inside. This is normal.

If a large pool of fluid does become trapped inside the bandage, remove, and wash with mild soap and water, pat dry with a paper towel, and let air dry for 15 minutes. You may then use another piece of Derm Shield or similar product to cover the tattoo for the remainder of the 5 days. When reapplying the Derm Shield, make sure the skin is dry and has no ointment.

Do your best not to sweat excessively - work is fine, but avoid the gym while using Derm Shield. It can be left on during the shower as well, but this does not mean you should submerge the tattoo in water for a prolonged period of time through a bath or swimming.

NEVER pick at the cracked and flaking skin. The area will become dry and itchy, and a good quality, fragrance-free lotion can now be used until the skin returns to its normal texture.

Keep your new tattoo out of the sun for 3 weeks. Use sunblock with a SPF rating of 45+ to keep your tattoo from fading.

If your tattoo is still inflammed, red, discharging fluid, developing white spots, or painful after a week please reach out to the studio or consult a doctor.