Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare will ensure that it heals right and stays nice for many years to come.
Your tattoo is a fresh surface wound and you must take care to avoid any bacteria from entering and causing a serious infection. Please follow these instructions and only use the recommended products. They are well-researched and guaranteed to ensure safe and proper healing of your tattoo.
Never listen to the anecdotal advice of your friend/relative/neighbour! Lots of people have opinions but it’s rarely based on professional medical advice and this can lead to having a bad healing experience or serious complications.
After your tattoo is finished you may have one of two different bandage types:
Regular Absorbant Bandage
• Keep the bandage on for a minimum of 4 hours and up to a maximum of 12.
• Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and the recommended soap. In the shower is perfect. Repeat once per day.
• Dry the tattoo gently with a clean towel.
• Apply a small amount of the recommended lotion and make sure it’s well absorbed into the skin. Do this whenever the tattoo looks dry, usually about 3-4 times per day. Always wash your hands before and after!
• Repeat for 7 to 14 days or until the tattoo has completely healed. You’ll know when it’s healed when the skin is no longer shiny and has returned to a normal texture.
Transparent Film Dressing (Tatuderm, Saniderm, Hypafix, etc.)
• Keep the bandage on for a minimum of 24 hours and up to a maximum of 36. It may fill with some blood and ink, this is normal.
• Remove the dressing under running water by gently rolling from one corner. Never pull or rip off the dressing quickly! It will damage your skin and tattoo.
• Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and the recommended soap. In the shower is perfect. Repeat once per day.
• Dry the tattoo gently with a clean towel.
• Apply a small amount of the recommended lotion and make sure it’s well absorbed into the skin. Do this whenever the tattoo looks dry, usually about 3-4 times per day. Always wash your hands before and after!
• Repeat for 7 to 14 days or until the tattoo has completely healed. You’ll know when it’s healed by the skin no longer being shiny and returning to a normal texture.
Things to avoid
• Avoid soaking the tattoo in any water. That means no swimming, no baths, no jacuzzis, not even doing the dishes if your tattoo is on your hands or forearms.
• Avoid all direct sunlight until it is healed, and even after always put sunscreen to protect it.
• Never cover your tattoo with another bandage or plastic wrap. It must breathe to heal properly. If you need to protect it against dust and dirt wear loose-fitting clothing only.
• Don’t let any animals lick or brush against the tattoo.
• Don’t let anyone else touch your tattoo.
• Never pick or scratch it.
Corrections for some common misinformation:
• Never wait a few days before putting on lotion! Scientific research known since the 1960s shows that moisture is one of the most important things for healing any wound quickly and with minimal scarring.
• Never put any medicated ointments or petroleum based products on the tattoo! Petroleum blocks your skin from breathing and can actually slow down the healing process. Certain medications can pull out the pigment fading your tattoo.
• Natural products are often better for your body and the environment however they are usually not sterile and are not intended to be used in an open wound. Avoid them on your new tattoo while it’s healing.
If you have any questions or complications please contact us right away.