Aftercare Instructions
Second Skin Clear Bandages
Keep the clear bandage on for 3 - 5 days after you appointment (minimum 24 hours).
Take the bandage off under warm running water, gently stretch the bandage down (not up like a wax strip or band-aid).
Use mild, unscented soap and warm water to wash your tattoo, gently in small circular movements. Make sure there is no residue (plasma or excess ink) left on the tattoo.
Pat dry gently with a clean paper towel/freshly washed towel.
Traditional (blue or black) Bandages
Some people have reactions to second skin, or prefer to heal their tattoos the traditional way.
Keep your bandaging on for 3-4 hours after your appointment. Longest you can keep it on for is overnight until the next morning
Give the tattoo gentle wash it with unscented soap and warm water once ready to take the bandage off
Pat dry with a clean paper towel/freshly cleaned towel. Gently wash the tattoo until all excess ink and plasma are removed.
Healing Process
With clean hands, gently apply a thin layer of Aquaphor/unscented lotion after washing each time, or throughout the day when it feels dry/itchy.
Do not let your tattoo get so dry that it will crack.
Keep the tattoo clean, washing it twice a day, or if it has gotten dirty/sweaty. Continue washing and applying Aquaphor/unscented lotion for 5-7 days after the bandage comes off.
The tattoo may become flaky/scabby and itchy. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo as this may affect the healing.
Continue to moisturize your tattoo regularly to ensure good aging and apply SPF sunscreen on your tattoos to protect the ink from sun exposure.
Things to Avoid while healing
Scratching, picking, at the tattoo.
No swimming, bath tubs, saunas, hot tubs, or UV exposure until the tattoo is fully healed, and feels like regular skin again.
Avoid exercising for about 5-7 days . Doing so during the healing process can damage your tattoo or lead to infection.
Do not re-bandage your tattoo. It needs the air exposure to start to heal after the bandage comes off.
Do not let anything rub on your tattoo while it’s healing, eg. watches, bra straps, jewelry, etc.
Do not touch your tattoo with dirty hands. Think of your tattoo as an open wound!