Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for the healing process and ensuring your tattoo looks its best for years to come. Here are some tips to help you take care of your tattoo:

Bandage Removal

If you have a Derm Shield Bandage, leave it on for 24 hours and up to five days. This will help collect the blood, pus, and ink from the fresh tattoo, so please keep it on! It will also protect your clothing from staining and your new tattoo. To remove the wrap, it is easiest to do so under warm running water, but try not to soak your tattoo. If you have a plastic wrap bandage, please keep it on for one hour or until you can get to a safe and clean place. After approximately one hour, take it off and throw it away.

Washing

Before handling your tattoo, make sure to always wash your hands thoroughly. When washing your tattoo, use an antibacterial and unscented hand soap (we recommend Dial Gold) and warm water. Do not use hot water. Lather your tattoo with soap and water, then rinse. If your tattoo still feels slimy, wash it again. Thoroughly rinse your tattoo and either let it air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub it dry.

Moisturizing

For the first few weeks, wash your tattoo several times a day. After washing, apply an unscented ointment that has not been contaminated or previously used. If it is out of a tube or squirt bottle, make sure to wash the bottle before using. For the first few days after washing your tattoo, apply an ointment to keep it hydrated. We recommend using Aquaphor, which can be found at most drug stores. Apply sparingly – a thin layer is far better than a thick layer. After the first few days of moisturizing with an ointment, switch to a non-scented lotion for after you wash your tattoo. Aveeno, Eucerin, and Lubriderm are great brands available at drug stores.

Clothing and Sunlight

For the first two weeks, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes that rub against your new tattoo. Avoid sleeping on your tattoo as well. Healing tattoos will leak ink slightly and can stain fabrics. While your tattoo is healing, avoid submerging it in any body of water – pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc. put you at risk of infection and should be avoided at all costs. Showers are fine as long as they are short and not overly hot. Activities that cause excessive sweating should be avoided until fully healed. Overexposure to the sun can also damage your tattoo. Do not apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it is fully healed. Instead, keep your tattoo clothed or away from direct sunlight.

Scabbing

During the healing process, scabs and hard layers are normal. Picking or scratching them can damage your tattoo, remove color, or cause scarring. Do not pick, peel, or scratch your tattoo.