Tattoo Aftercare

Following the completion of your tattoo, your artist will either place a bandage over your tattoo, called a “second-skin” bandage or use plastic wrap. These bandages act as a protective barrier for the first stage of the tattoo healing process. 

For second-skin bandages

While the bandage is on, you are free to go about your day in a mostly normal fashion. It’s water-resistant, so you can shower while wearing it, - however, we recommend avoiding prolonged water exposure since water can sometimes find its way in. We recommend wearing loose clothing to prevent abrasion to the bandage and tattoo.

While the bandage is on, you will notice the surface underneath accumulate slight moisture, causing the tattoo to appear blurry. This is plasma building up from your skin, pulling up micro-fragments of ink. It’s completely normal and helps with the healing process. 

We recommend keeping the second skin bandage on for 3 to 5 days after your appointment date. Following this duration, slowly remove the bandage under warm running water, or with a skin-safe body oil. The bandage adheres tightly to your skin, so you will need to use some force when removing it. Don’t be alarmed if there are fragments of ink on the bandage - it’s those micro-fragments of ink that have dried on the bandage.

Should the bandage cause any discomfort or begin to peel off before at least 3 days have passed, remove the bandage (under the same means mentioned above) and supplement treatment for the remaining days with an unscented, mild lotion.

For plastic-wrap

Remove your bandage when you get home, then rinse off the area with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented liquid soap.

Depending on your artist’s preference, they may recommend re-wrapping the tattoo before going to bed. This is to eliminate any excess bleeding or plasma run-off on your sheets (that may also dry and cause irritation when moving throughout the night). Should your artist recommend re-wrapping your tattoo, remove the bandage the following day, rinse off the area (as detailed in the earlier step) and beginning moisturizing your tattoo with a mild, unscented lotion.

General tips

For approximately 10 to 12 days following bandage removal, we recommend using an unscented, mild lotion 3 to 6 times a day, or as needed. Apply a smooth, thin layer to the tattoo (just enough to cover it). Do not oversaturate the area with lotion, as this could potentially harm the healing process, pulling pigment back up.

We recommend abstaining from intensive exercise for 2 weeks, as contact with unsanitary surfaces, abrasive clothing, and sweat can cause irritation, additional scarring and even infection.

Avoid submerging your tattoo in water or exposing it to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, for a full month. Water exposure can cause serious and life-threatening infections and direct sunlight can overly dry the healing area, or cause premature fading. 

Lastly, we kindly ask that you send us a high-resolution photograph of the tattoo a month after its completion. We’d love to see how it has healed. Should you feel a touch-up is necessary, highlight/describe the specific locations and we’ll take a look. We offer complimentary touch-ups within a 6-month period, after which a fee may be required (up to the artist’s discretion).

As always, let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns! We’re happy to help.