Tattoo Aftercare - Adhesive Bandage

After your tattoo is complete, the artist will clean the area and apply a piece of adhesive bandage. The adhesive bandage allows for an easy initial healing phase for the tattoo and client. The bandage protects the fresh tattoo from the environment and helps initiate healing and minimize scabbing.

You may shower normally with the bandage on. Avoid working out or excessive sweating while the bandage is on because sweat can build up under the bandage which is not good for a fresh tattoo. Sweating with a fresh tattoo can also lead to ink loss.

After 2-5 days, you may remove the bandage. If the bandage stings or feels irritated at any point, remove the bandage and do not recover with a new one.

When it is time to remove the bandage, do so in the shower. Warm, not hot, running water helps break up the adhesive during the removal process. Slowly peel the bandage off. Pulling the bandage down and away from the tattoo instead of peeling it back will be less irritating - like a command strip.

Once the bandaging is off, gently wash with antibacterial soap. I recommend using a foaming soap (Dial is great). Pat dry with a fresh paper towel (do not use a hand towel or used bath towel on a fresh tattoo). Allow the tattoo to finish air drying before applying a thin layer of unscented moisturizer. Use moisturizer only when needed as it heals, do not over moisturize the area.

Avoid swimming or soaking the fresh tattoo in water for 2-4 weeks. Until it is fully healed, it is a risk for infection.

Avoid sun exposure to a fresh tattoo to avoid fading the ink or deteriorating the artwork. Always wear sunscreen to ensure the best possible aging for your tattoo.

If you have any questions about your healing tattoo, please feel free to reach out through email or Instagram!

Tattoo Aftercare - Plastic Wrap

After your tattoo is complete, the artist will clean the area and wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap will keep the tattoo covered for the first few hours. Remove the plastic wrap when you get home.

When it is time to remove the wrap, do so slowly as it may stick to the tattoo. Once the bandaging is off, gently wash with an unscented antibacterial soap. I recommend using a foaming soap (Dial is great). Pat dry with a fresh paper towel (do not use a hand towel or your bath towel on a fresh tattoo) and then let air dry. Wear loose clothing to keep the tattoo covered.

Wash the tattoo 2-3 times a day during the first week of healing. You must wait until the tattoo is done seeping plasma or blood before you start applying moisturizers. This is usually 2-4 days into the healing process.

Use moisturizer only when needed as it heals, do not over moisturize the area.

Avoid swimming or soaking the fresh tattoo in water for 2-4 weeks. Until it is fully healed, it is a risk for infection.

Avoid sun exposure to a fresh tattoo to avoid fading the ink or deteriorating the artwork. Always wear sunscreen to ensure the best possible aging for your tattoo.

If you have any questions about your healing tattoo, please feel free to reach out through email or Instagram!