TATTOO AFTERCARE

Congratulations on your new tattoo! 

By following these simple instructions, the healing process should be quick and easy.

​​

​

• Derm Shield helps protect the tattoo from bacteria and other elements for the best possible healing.
• Keep the Derm Shield on for 3-5 days. You can shower with it, try not to soak the area too much, as it will weaken the adhesive. Avoid taking baths.
• You will see a buildup of blood and plasma mixed with ink under the Derm Shield, this is perfectly normal.
• Once you are ready to take off the Shield, hop in the shower and let warm water run over you tattoo for a couple of minutes, that will help break away the adhesive. Start slowly peeling off the Derm Shield.
• After you have remove the Derm Shield from your tattoo, make sure to gently wash it with unscented antibacterial soap and pat or air dry.
• Apply a very thin layer of suggested aftercare ointment 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks, until the tattoo is fully healed (no more peeling, dry, or cracked skin).
• DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH the tattoo at all as this can damage it during healing.
• Keep out of saltwater, prolonged sun exposure, and chlorine for at least 4 weeks.
• DO NOT re-bandage the tattoo after the initial bandage is removed. (unless instructed by me)
• Suggested Aftercare: Lubriderm

• Leave bandage on for 2-3 hours and until you are in a safe and clean environment to remove and clean the tattoos.
• Before cleaning or touching the tattooed area, WASH HANDS thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Carefully remove the bandage without force. DO NOT pull bandage upwards. Sometimes excess color will come off on the bandage (this is normal).
• If it sticks, wet the applied bandage and gently pull off so as not to damage any scabs or dry areas.
• After removing the bandage, cleanse the area with mild soap and water. Gently rub with fingertips to remove plasma. Do not scrub the tattoo. Pat dry with a clean and dry paper towel.
• Let the tattoo air dry completely for at least 10 minutes.
• Apply a thin layer of ointment. We have aftercare available (Aquaphor is also acceptable). Pat any excess ointment with a dry paper towel. Applying too much ointment can cause breakouts.
• Do not apply a new bandage to the tattoo after the first is removed.

• Continue to cleanse the tattoo for 3-5 days. Apply ointment 3-4x a day.
• Do not allow tattoo to become dry. If a scab does form, DO NOT pick it, let it heal on its own.
• Your tattoo will start to peel about 3-5 days later. At this point, switch to a fragrance free lotion or gentle moisturizer such as Lubriderm, as needed until completely healed.
• Itching is expected. NEVER pick, scratch or peel it. This may result in loss of color.

• Tattoos take 3-4 weeks to fully heal. 
• Once healed, regularly moisturize to keep skin soft and color bright
• Avoid swimming and sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.
• Sun exposure can damage a tattoo, always use a sun block with strong SPF when outdoors.

• Vaseline or petroleum jellies
• Soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs
• Medicated ointment such as Neosporin
• Iodine, peroxide, or alchohol-based solutions

You may experience some slight swelling, redness and discomfort around the site. If any of the following symptoms appear, promptly consult a health care provider:

• Unusual draining
• Excessive bleeding
• Excessive pain or discomfort
• Excessive swelling, redness, or skin that is hot to touch

No worries! Reach out to your artist direct or the shop at 732-988-1353!