Aftercare for your tattoo may vary slightly, depending on the type of bandage used.
I use two different kinds of bandages depending on your preference, skin sensitivity, and type of tattoo.

*When using new products on your healing tattoo, be aware of any stinging or burning sensations. If this occurs, rinse and wash the tattoo with unscented liquid soap.

Regular Bandage:

  • Remove the bandage 2 hours after your session.

  • Sometimes I will tell you its ok to leave on overnight, especially if you have animals, and to remove it immediately the following morning.

  • When taking your bandage off its best to use warm water, and always use clean hands.

  • Once the bandage is off, immediately clean your tattoo and surrounding area with unscented antibacterial liquid soap and warm water then Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.

Second Skin Bandage:

  • This clear bandage acts as a protective second skin we can use if you request.

  • You can keep this bandage on for 24 hours to 3 days. no longer than that please.

  • After this time, remove it under warm running water (best to do it in the shower so it gets really soft and pliable) , pulling down and out with a command strip.

  • Then clean the tattoo with unscented liquid antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a clean towel, and let it air dry for 15 minutes.

  • Please take care to remove any “band-aid” like gunk around your tattoo from the bandages adhesive

  • If your skin is sensitive I recommend taking second skin off sooner than later

  • If your bandage leaks, take it on as soon a possible using the method mentioned above. If stuff can get out stuff can get in, and you don’t want any contaminants trapped in there with your tattoo

  • If you notice any extra liquid pockets, known as “sweat pockets” remove your bandage as soon as you are able (this is usually an issue in the summer or with people who exercise heavily)

  • Even though this bandage acts as a barrier, you are still not allowed to soak in bodies of water or steam rooms

General Care Guidelines:

  • No matter which bandage you chose, for the next two weeks or more, begin cleaning and lightly moisturizing the tattoo twice a day, and whenever you ma have run into any contaminants.

  • Take extra care during this time to keep you tattoo away from public surfaces. animals, chemicals, and anything else that might cause contamination.

  • 1 to 2 days after the session, the tattooed skin may start feeling tight or itchy this is normal—this is a sign that it’s time to moisturize.

  • Use an unscented lotion (natural not petroleum based moisturizer is best), apply a very light and thin amount to relieve the tightness and itchiness. Apply lotion 2-3 times daily. Do not over moisturize, this can suffocate your tattoo and make it prone to infection as well as encourage blowout to happen.

  • During the healing process, which can be 2-4 weeks depending on your skin and lifestyle, keep the tattooed area out of direct sunlight.

  • Avoid soaking it in water, quick showers are fine but no pools, saunas, ocean, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, or soaking of your tattoo of any kind for 2weeks.

  • No rolling/sitting on rocks or sand at the beach/river

  • Do not use sunscreen on your tattoo until the skin has fully closed, then please always use sunscreen

  • Avoid wearing tight or constricting clothing against the area of your fresh tattoo.

  • Always wear clean clothes over your tattoo.

  • Avoid heavy workouts for the first 3 days after your tattoo

  • Do not pick, scratch, or irritate your healing tattoo, you will ruin it potentially contaminate it.

  • If your tattoo is itchy you may LIGHTLY moisturize it and give it a few light slaps.

  • Take care to rest the area that has been tattooed. No excessive sweating, bending, strain.

  • If you sweat a lot or continue to work out, you will have to change your bandage and clean your tattoo more often, this includes bicycle commuting.

  • Do not shave over your tattoo until it is fully healed.

  • You are responsible for healing your tattoo. Failing to follow these guidelines can lead to poor healing, infection, scarring, fallout, hyperpigmentation, blowout, etc. If you have a medical emergency - see a doctor. Reach out if you have any questions.