Tattoo Aftercare

Taking care of your tattoo is just as important to the final product as the procedure itself. Improper care can lead to infection, scarring and, overall, a bad looking tattoo. During your tattoo appointment, your artist will walk you through our aftercare process, but should you have further questions once you leave the studio, this page has all you need to know about the aftercare process.

BANDAGES

Before leaving the studio, your artist will cover your tattoo with a transparent bandage. Bandages are latex-free and medical-grade (Hypafix brand), and will make your healing process shorter and more comfortable. Please advise your artist if you have allergies or sensitivities to adhesives.

If you are allergic to adhesives, your tattoo will instead be covered temporarily with a soaker pad. This can be kept on overnight and will soak up any excess fluid from your tattoo.

  • If you’ve never had a reaction to bandages before, we will still apply one. If you do have a reaction, it will appear as red, rashy skin around the edge of the bandage, and/or in the shape of the bandage. Blotchy redness around the actual tattoo is normal.

    If you are unsure if you are having a reaction, come into the studio or send a picture to our secretary, and one of our artists will advise you.

  • Any sign of an allergic reaction means you should ignore any timeline we’ve given you and take the bandage off IMMEDIATELY. If you follow this instruction and keep your tattoo clean, the reaction will go away on its own and not affect your tattoo.

    If you keep the bandage on too long after the first signs or reaction, you risk a more extreme reaction that may escalate to infection and/or need medical treatment.

  • Yes! Hypafix bandages are waterproof. However, they will fall off if you soak them in the bath or hot tub.

BANDAGE AFTERCARE

Once you leave the studio, please follow these instructions:

- If you are able, your artist will ask you to return the following day for one of our staff to check your bandage, remove or change it if necessary and instruct you on the next steps based on your skin’s needs.

- If you are unable to return the next day, keep your bandage on for up to 4 days (unless your artist instructs you otherwise).

- If your bandage begins to curl at the edges and fall off before that time is up, we recommend they still be kept on for a minimum of 24 hours if possible. You may use tape to secure the edges as long as it doesn’t touch your actual tattoo (NEVER use glue). However, if it’s falling off to the point your tattoo is exposed, just take it off.

- Once the bandage is removed, begin the cleaning process.

  • No. Unless you or a family member are a doctor/nurse who understand how to clean the skin to prevent bacteria being trapped under the bandage, we do not suggest you change the bandage on your own.

  • Do not worry about this! Typically called ink sacs or ink bladders, the blackish/reddish fluid that can pool under your bandage is actually very good for healing. It is clear plasma mixed with a little blood and remnant ink from the surface layers of your tattoo, and will work like a scab to heal your tattoo faster.

    If your bandage peels and the fluid leaks, clean it up with a paper towel and, if needed, remove your bandage and clean your tattoo.

CLEANING YOUR TATTOO

After removing your bandage or soaker pad, please follow these steps to properly wash your tattoo:

- Wash your tattoo twice a day (once in the morning, once before bed)

- Using antibacterial soap ONLY, wash your tattoo well and rinse with warm water.

- Pat dry with a clean paper towel or a hair dryer on cool setting.

- Apply a thin layer of an UNSCENTED moisturizing lotion (we recommend Lubriderm).

- You should moisturize often, up to 5 or 6 times a day, when dry skin is visible.

- Repeat this process daily for 4-6 weeks until the tattoo is completely healed.

DURING HEALING, DO NOT:

- Do not TOUCH, PICK OR SCRATCH your tattoo!

- While wearing your bandage, avoid sweating. If sweat builds up or pimples begin to form under your bandage, immediately remove the bandage and wash.

- Do not glue your bandage to your skin if it begins to fall off.

- When washing, do not use washcloths or towels.

- Do not tan/expose your tattoo to direct sunlight.

- Do not use scented products.

- Do not wear tight clothing over tattooed area.

- Do not use Vaseline or Polysporin on your tattoo. Vaseline can clog your pores and cause infection, and the agent in Polysporin that draws out infection will also draw out your ink.

- Do not swim or soak in bathtubs/hot tubs until completely healed.

- Do not drink alcohol for 12-24 hours after being tattooed