Aftercare

Before you leave the tattoo appointment with your fresh and cool new piece, I will go over the options for aftercare. I offer the options of using either the Derm Shield adhesive covering, but if you are allergic or sensitive to adhesives; the traditional cling wrap covering is a good alternative.

Derm Shield Instructions

I will leave you with a piece of the adhesive large enough to cover the piece with some room to spare.

We recommend leaving the clear bandage on for 3-5 days. The first week of the healing process for tattoos are crucial for its longevity, therefore make sure not to mess with the bandage or tattoo as much as possible.

Removal Process

In the shower or under running water, begin to peel downwards on the adhesive. (Almost like how you would pull down to remove a command strip). If that is difficult you can still peel off the adhesive normally.
Be sure to keep the water a mild temperature, and work SLOWLY, letting the water break down the adhesive as you take it off. Ripping the bandage off dry or too fast can cause damage to the tattoo.
Once the adhesive is completely off, discard it. We recommend gently cleaning the tattoo once it is exposed. Rinse away the built-up liquids but DO NOT SCRUB.
Gently lather an unscented or gentle cleanser and rub over the area. You do not need to over cleanse, just a pass or two will do.
Once you are done, take a clean washcloth or paper towel and PAT dry.

I recommend letting your tattoo dry out for at least a day or two before beginning to moisturize. Over saturating the area with moisture could cause issues healing. Your body is great at naturally healing itself! Make sure to give it the space and time to do so. Once you're ready to start moisturizing, apply a THIN layer once or twice a day.

Cling WrapInstructions

I will wrap up your tattoo with a non-adhesive cling wrap, taping the edges with skin tape. If the tattoo has a lot of packed color/shading I will often put a pad underneath to absorb any excess moisture or bleeding.

I recommend only leaving this cling wrap on until your next shower or the morning after. Since the wrap is not airtight, we do not want to risk any kind of exposure to bad bacteria in the first day.

Healing Process

Before you get into the shower, remove the cling wrap and discard it.
Be sure to keep the water a cool temperature, rinse off any excess liquids and be gentle with the fresh piece, it will be sensitive for the first few days.
Lather an unscented or gentle cleanser and rub over the area. You do not need to over cleanse, just a pass or two will do.
Once you are done, take a clean washcloth or paper towel and PAT dry.
If the tattoo is completely dry and clean, you can put another layer of CLEAN cling wrap on if you are worried about it rubbing on anything. I would not leave this piece on for more than a few hours.
Monitor the area and wear loose-fitting clothes for the first week of healing so the fresh tattoo doesn't get irritated.
Once the tattoo begins to feel dry or look flaky, start moisturizing with a THIN layer of product daily.

Recommended Products

Moisturizers

Hustle Butter
Aveeno unscented
Lubriderm unscented
Aquaphor

Soaps

Green Soap
Dial Unscented
Hustle Helper Antibacterial wash
Generally any unscented gentle soap!

Freshly done fine line tattoo. Shows the process to start healing.

What to Avoid

Avoid scratching, rubbing or scrubbing the area while it's healing. It will get itchy for a couple of days and that is completely normal.
Avoid workouts or activities that make you sweat excessively for the first couple of days. We want to avoid adding any extra bacteria to the skin while it is healing.
Avoid over moisturizing. Apply product once or twice a day. Your skin will still need space to breath while healing.
Avoid sunbathing, pools, waterparks, tanning, saunas and other activities with excessive heat or water.

Your tattoo will be healed in 3-4 weeks. But remember to continue to take care of it, using moisturizers and sunscreen as needed!

If you have any questions or concerns with your healing process, do not hesitate to contact me. Avoid googling too much information because every artist has their own method.

Happy healing!