Aftercare…

Absolutely NO swimming, baths, saunas, pools, lakes, rivers ponds or any body of water. You will risk infection. Low impact workouts are okay as long as you don’t sweat. A buildup of sweat underneath a bandage will result in a poorly healed tattoo. Go for a walk, keep it light. The gains can wait.

DISCLAIMER: If you are experiencing any complications while healing please reach out to me directly and seek the help of a medical professional if it seems like it’s an emergency!

TIPS BEFORE YOU READ: 

Be sure to have fresh, clean bedsheets. Especially if you have pets. Beds can be a cesspool for bacteria, dander, and microbes that can harm the healing of your tattoo. Especially if you remove the bandage early or omit using it entirely.

Use PAPER TOWELS to pat dry. Regular towels still have build up of detergent/softeners, and bacteria. Do not use these to dry your tattoo especially if it’s fresh.  

Bandage Care (if using clear adhesive bandage. I use the brand Derm Shield: Recovery.

  • Leave the clear adhesive bandage on for 3–5 days. You do not need to do anything to your tattoo while it is on.

If you experience excessive redness, swelling, irritation, remove the bandage early. If you are experiencing hives this is an indication of an allergy. Use your discretion and see a doctor if necessary. 

Redness at the edges of the bandage is not usually an indication of an allergy, but a result of friction of the skin being pulled against the adhesive. This happens often in areas like inner biceps, ditch, and inner thigh. 

  • Build up of fluid, blood, ink, and plasma is normal. Replace the bandage if you notice any fluid leaking out, or getting in like water from the shower.

Bandage Re-Application: 

Clean tattoo. Do not re apply any ointment. Be sure skin is extremely dry before reapplying the bandage. It is best to cut it into smaller strips, overlaying them about a quarter of an inch onto a piece already stuck to the skin for a clean seal. Air bubbles are fine, leave them alone. 

If you remove the bandage early: Take care of it with the same directions below. 

If using TATTOO ARMOR: follow cleaning directions below and re-bandage for the first 24-48hrs. If you shower, be sure to remove, clean, and replace bandage. 

Cleaning Your Tattoo

Clean your tattoo 2-3 times a day or anytime it gets dirty/if you bump into something. Use one of the following soaps:

•Recommended: Hibiclens – A gentle, antimicrobial cleanser that helps protect against infection without over-drying or irritating the skin. You can find this soap in the first aid section of any drugstore/walgreens/cvs. The off-brand version is dye-free as a heads up! Both are good. 

•Alternative: Dial Gold (Liquid Only) – A widely used antibacterial option, but can be harsher and more drying than Hibiclens.

Moisturizing

After cleaning, gently pat dry and apply a CHAPSTICK THIN layer of:

  • Your favorite tattoo aftercare balm

  • OR plain A&D ointment/Aquaphour 

Use an unscented lotion like aveeno, lubriderm once the skin is visibly flaky/peeling or itching. Or after the 4 day mark if you are healing your tattoo without the second skin bandage. Using lotion too early can burn. 

BE SURE that any ointment comes in a tube and not a tub. Tubs collect bacteria.

Keep your tattoo clean, moisturized, and out of direct sunlight. Do not scratch or pick at peeling skin. 

Apply sunscreen when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid tanning for the longevity of your color tattoos.