AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
&
RESTRICTIONS
Do not expose the tattoo to an excessive amount of water. Not wetting the tattoo area for the first 24 hours is highly recommended to make sure the dermshield be able to stay for the next few days. Only touch the tattoo very gently. Wear loose clothing that won’t rub on the tattoo
DAY ONE
Keep your clear bandage (dermshield) on for as long as your artist instructs you to, typically 3-4 days.
Do not expose the tattoo to an excessive amount of water. Not wetting the tattoo area for the first 24 hours is highly recommended to make sure the dermshield be able to stay for the next few days. Only touch the tattoo very gently. Wear loose clothing that won’t rub on the tattoo
Gently clean your tattoo by using your clean hands. Use hypoallergenic, unscented soap. Do not let the tap water run directly onto your new tattoo. Instead, use your hands gently scoop water onto the area. After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft paper towel. And then apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment 3-4 times per day.
DAY of TAKING THE DERMSHIELD OFF
Wash your hands thoroughly, and gentaly peel the dermshield off.
Gently clean your tattoo by using your clean hands. Use hypoallergenic, unscented soap. Do not let the tap water run directly onto your new tattoo. Instead, use your hands gently scoop water onto the area. After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft paper towel. And then apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment 3-4 times per day.
*Some redness, swelling, and discomfort is normal*
Consult a doctor if you experience the following signs and symptoms: Excessive redness, swelling, pain, and bleeding. Tenderness of the procedure site. Red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart. Elevated body temperature. Purulent drainage from the procedure site
WEEK ONE
Wash your tattoo, following the instructions above, at least daily, more if you are in a hot or dirty environment. Scabs will form on the tattoo, and it may be itchy or dry. Resist the temptation to scratch it or pick the scabs. Let your skin heal naturally. Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Moisturize the tattoo using fragrance-free lotion, as needed. Sun and prolonged time in water can damage your tattoo’s appearance, so cover your tattoo for the first 4 weeks to it out of direct sunlight. Avoid swimming or soaking in a bathtub for the first few weeks. In the first week, minor swelling and redness, as well as itching, are normal
WEEK TWO
Be particularly careful when washing your tattoo this week, as the peeling scabs may damage the tattoo. Add additional moisturizer to help with the itching. Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Protect your tattoo from the sun and from prolonged water exposure
Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Protect your tattoo from the sun and from prolonged water exposure
WEEK THREE
Continue applying moisturizer
Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Protect your tattoo from the sun and from prolonged water exposure
Continue to moisturize regularly to keep your tattoo looking its best.
WEEK FOUR
Once your tattoo has healed, it is alright to expose it to the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen, as the skin may still be tender.
Continue to moisturize regularly to keep your tattoo looking its best.
* Please send your artist a picture of your healed tattoo, so they can tell whether you need a touch up or not *
DO NOT swim or submerge the tattoo underwater for 2-3 weeks!
Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water, as they can introduce bacteria and irritants to the healing tattoo
DO NOT go tanning or expose to direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks!
Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight during healing. UV rays can fade the colors and tones, and slow down the healing process. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a high-SPF sunscreen.
Avoid picking or scratching!
It’s normal for a tattoo to itch during healing, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at it. This can damage the tattoo and increase the risk of infection.
Avoid gardening activities for at least 2-3 weeks!
New tattoos are vulnerable to infection from dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that can be present in the garden.
Avoid direct contact with animals and pets, especially animals with furs, for at least 2-3 weeks!
Animal hair and saliva can harbor bacteria that could lead to infection.
Dedicate a few pieces of clothing specifically for this stage to prevent ink from staining your wardrobe
Avoid tight clothing for the first 2-3 weeks!
Wear loose, breathable fabrics over your tattoo during the healing process. Tight clothing can stick to lotions or gels, pull off scabs, and cause unnecessary pain or irritation.
Dedicate a few pieces of clothing specifically for this stage to prevent ink from staining your wardrobe
Wait 48 hours before doing light activities like walking or cycling.
Avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks!
Working out can introduce bacteria to your fresh tattoo through sweat, overstretch healing skin, and cause scabs to tear.
Wait 48 hours before doing light activities like walking or cycling.
For the first 4-6 weeks, avoid strenuous exercises and clean your tattoo immediately after any physical activity.