Tattoo Aftercare

Traditional Bandage (Plastic Wrap / Saran Wrap)

First Night (Day 1)

  • Remove wrap after 20-60 minutes

  • Wash tattoo immediately:

    • Clean hands

    • Use unscented, antibacterial soap

  • Gently pat dry with clean paper towel

  • Let air dry fully

👉 Do NOT re-wrap

Days 1–3

  • Wash tattoo 1–2 times a day (in the morning and at night)

  • Do NOT use any lotions at this time, let the tattoo breathe and keep it clean

  • Do NOT scratch or submerge in water, running water is okay

Days 4–14

  • You can stop washing twice a day and switch to → unscented lotion

  • Continue:

    • Washing at least once daily

    • Light moisturizing ( do NOT over do the lotion)

    • Do NOT scratch, submerge in water, expose to too much direct sunlight

Expect:

  • Peeling (like a sunburn)

  • Flaking

  • Itching

👉 This is normal — do NOT pick or peel

⚠️ Important Healing Rules (For ALL Tattoos)

DO:

  • Keep it clean

  • Keep it lightly moisturized

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing

  • Let it heal naturally

DON’T:

  • Scratch, pick, or peel

  • Soak it (no baths, pools, ocean for 2 weeks)

  • Expose it to direct sunlight

  • Use scented products

  • Over-moisturize (this can cause breakouts and slow healing)

🚨 When to Reach Out

Contact me if you notice:

  • Excessive redness spreading

  • Thick yellow/green discharge

  • Severe swelling or pain

  • Signs of infection

Derm Bandage (Second Skin) Aftercare

Day 1–5: Wearing the Bandage

  • Leave the derm bandage on for 3–5 days unless instructed otherwise

  • It’s normal to see:

    • Ink

    • Blood

    • Plasma buildup (this can look dark or “blobby”)

  • The bandage is breathable and water resistant, so you can:

    • Shower normally (no soaking)

    • Exercise gently around day 2 or 3

  • Do NOT:

    • Pick at it

    • Scratch it

    • Peel it

👉 If the bandage starts lifting, peeling, leaking or exposing the tattoo, remove it immediately.

Removing the Derm Bandage

  • Do this in a warm shower (this helps loosen adhesive)

  • Gently peel it back slowly, pulling it parallel to your skin (not straight up)

  • Take your time — rushing = irritation

After Removal

  1. Wash tattoo gently with:

    • Fragrance-free soap

    • Your clean hands (no washcloths)

  2. Pat dry with a clean paper towel

  3. Let it air dry for a few minutes

Then:

  • Apply a very thin layer of:

    • Unscented lotion or

    • Tattoo-specific aftercare

Days 5–14 (Healing Phase)

  • Wash gently with unscented soap

  • Lightly moisturize (don’t overdo it)

  • Expect:

    • Peeling

    • Dryness

    • Mild itching

🚫 Avoid:

  • Scratching or picking

  • Tight clothing rubbing the area

  • Submerging in water (baths, pools, hot tubs)

  • Direct sun exposure

✨ Pro Tip

Your tattoo may look “dull” or “cloudy” while healing — this is temporary. Once fully healed, your tattoo will settle and brighten.