Tegaderm/Saniderm:

This is a hospital grade, breathable bandage that can be left on your tattoo for up to 4 days. The material allows your tattoo to heal while protecting it from bacteria during its most vulnerable phase (and your clothes, bedsheets, pets, etc.) . Fluid and ink inside the bandage is normal, almost like a "melted popsicle" version of your tattoo, and will dry out in a day or two. It may look muddy under the bandage but it is just on the surface of your skin, your tattoo is just as vibrant underneath. It is perfectly safe to shower with the bandage on.

If the bandage is coming off, or leaking, take it off and follow the instructions below. Removing the bandage early will not jeopardize your healing. Similarly, if your skin is irritated around the edges of the bandage, or it’s otherwise uncomfortable or painful other than having a fresh tattoo - take the bandage off. A very small percentage of people are sensitive to the adhesive.

Tegaderm is best removed in the shower, pull the edge gently and slowly away from your skin allowing the warm to hot water to run over it. Any ink on the bandage is not being pulled from the tattoo, but is dried on the surface - so don’t worry! Using an unscented, uncolored liquid soap, make a lather with your hand and gently remove any dried material from your tattoo and return your skin to it's normal texture.

Once out of the shower, pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel and let it air dry for about ten minutes. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 2 times a day for the remainder of your two weeks of healing, apply more often if your skin feels dry or uncomfortably tight.

Plastic Wrap:

Keep your bandage on for 4 hours minimum, or overnight if or session ends late - better to protect your tattoo from getting stuck to your bedsheets and deal with the bandage in the morning. After removing the plastic, there will be some amount of blood and ink that has wept from your tattoo. Let warm water run over the exposed tattoo, and using an unscented and uncolored soap, gently use your hand to lather and clean the tattoo.

Let the tattoo and your skin around it air dry, and then apply a thin layer of ointment - just enough to make your skin shiny. For the first three days, while the tattoo is still tender, wear looser, clean clothing, and allow the tattoo to breath. Avoid heavy exercise and coming in contact with any type of gym equipment or mat (because ew, bacteria). There is no need to re-wrap.

Wash the tattoo morning and night with the same gentle soap before reapplying any ointment. Once the initial redness has gone away and the tattoo is dry to the touch (after 2-4 days, depending on the tattoo) apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 2 times a day for the remainder of the two weeks, or more if your skin feels uncomfortably dry or tight.

Recommended moisturizers for all healing methods: Lubriderm, Aveeno, something in the natural spectrum is preferred - but if you have sensitive skin, stick with a moisturizer your skin already likes, to avoid any irritation from a new product. Any added scent is alcohol-based, which can be irritating to the skin. Using ointment like A&D or Aquaphor should only be used sparingly during the first few days when your tattoo is still tender - and only use a thin layer when applying it. Over application can lead to clogged pores, or tiny zits in your tattoo - if that happens, lay off the moisturizer and let your skin breath. Don't attempt to pop them or apply any acne treatment, let them heal naturally.

PLEASE REMEMBER:

◆ Always have clean hands before touching your tattoo. Don’t let others (animals included) touch it either.

◆ Flaking and itching is very normal. Do not pick or scratch at your healing work. Scabs are normal too, especially with heavy color work. Extra care must be taken to not disturb any scabs, as the skin underneath is very fragile. Apply ointment if necessary and let them heal naturally.

◆ Two weeks is the minimum healing time. Some tattoos can take up to a month.
Tattoo placement, size, application, aftercare, and your overall health can effect the healing time.

◆ Do not soak or submerge your tattoo during the healing process. Pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water put you at high-risk for infection. Keep showers short.

◆ Do not expose your healing tattoo to direct sunlight. Sunscreen may be applied after two weeks. Get in the habit - it’s the single most effective way to keep your tattoos looking fresh over your lifetime.

◆ If you suspect you have an infection, contact your artist and your doctor. Signs of infection are:abnormal soreness, redness, and/or the tattooed area feeling warm to the touch. If they are caught and treated with antibiotics early, they can pass with little to no effect on the look of the tattoo.

Touch-Ups

Most tattoos do not need touch-ups. Occasionally after a hard heal, some ink may have been pushed out of the skin. If you feel like this has happened to your tattoo, contact your artist within two months of healing - any touch up in this manner is free of charge.
However, touch up’s necessity is up to your artists’ discretion, and if it is determined that the tattoo healed badly by your own neglect, you will be charged the full hourly rate - most tattoos do not need further work when healed correctly. Deciding to add to or modify part of the tattoo is not considered a touch up. .

Occasionally, color work is what needs to be refreshed after years on skin - but the tattoo must be at least 3 years old before considering touching it up. Refreshing a tattoo will be done at a discounted rate, but full reworks are charged at the full hourly rate.