These instructions will be verbally communicated to you at the end of your procedure, and we are happy to answer any questions regarding your tattoo healing process via e-mail.

Instructions for Recovery Derm-Shield clear bandage: Leave the bandage on for 1-5 days (ideally 3-5 days), unless otherwise directed by your artist. When the bandage is ready to come off, do so under running water- you can use lotion around the edges to lift the bandage up gently, pulling away from your body stretching the bandage outward like you are taking off a command strip. Do not rip the bandage off (upward or downward) aggressively, as this could result in ink fall-out. Do not exercise while the bandage is on, or for the following 2 weeks during the peeling stage to avoid sweat and damage to the tattoo. The bandage is water resistant, you may shower with it. Do not submerge the tattoo in any body of water, including bath tubs, or saunas for up to 3 weeks.

Once the bandage is removed, disinfect with anti-bacterial soap, and start using unscented lotion (NOT AQUAPHOR!) 2-3 times a day for the next 3-4 weeks. I recommend Cetaphil, but any unscented lotion will work. Applying a thin breathable layer is important, so as not to oversaturate your tattoo with moisture.

Do not itch your tattoo. Do not wear tight fitting clothing until your tattoo has finished peeling (usually by the end of week two). Jeans, work out clothes, anything that causes friction on your new tattoo can result in scabs being torn off.

Reasons to take off your bandage sooner than 3-5 days: if you notice sweat beading underneath, an excess of plasma (normal minimal tattoo leakage in the first 24 hours is normal! but anything that looks like a large pocket of fluid will warrant removal of the bandage), any tears, puncture, or lifting of the bandage that can potentially allow bacteria to enter. Allergic reactions: discomfort/redness around the edges of the bandage, in rare cases blistering, are also reasons to take the bandage off. Reach out to your tattoo artist if you have questions regarding an allergic reaction, typically this will not affect the tattoo and can be resolved by using benadryl cream. 

Instructions for healing without Second Skin Bandage

On the day of your appointment: Leave the protective wrapping on your tattoo for the next 2-3 hours. After you are home for the night, gently wash your tattoo with Gold Dial Antibacterial Soap in the shower. Let the tattoo air dry for the rest of the evening *do not wrap it again during the entire healing process*. Wear loose-fitting clothing to protect your tattoo during the healing process. 

Day 2: Begin applying Unscented lotion: CETAPHIL (My #1 recommended brand), Burts Bees or Aveeno work great, NOT Aquaphor. I recommend using lotion instead of gelatin-based products because it allows the skin to breath, and also absorbs into the skin instead of resting on top of it. This prevents scabs from being too moist, and ripping off too soon which can cause ink loss, and potential scarring. Lotion 2-3 times a day for a minimum of 2 weeks, but not limited to the entire first month of healing your new tattoo. Continue to gently wash with the Dial soap until the tattoo is no longer an open wound. NO sun exposure, or exposure to bodies of water for the first month of your new tattoo (this includes bath tubs, hot tubs, hot springs, the ocean).  WEAR SUN BLOCK FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IF YOU WANT YOUR TATTOO TO REMAIN PRETTY. :-)

E-mail your artist if you have any questions regarding your healing process! Send a picture if necessary.