Tattoo Aftercare
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Tegaderm
If your tattoo was wrapped in the thin, adhesive plastic known as Tegaderm, these instructions are for you!
Leave your Tegaderm on for 2 - 4 full days after getting your tattoo. It is waterproof, so go ahead and shower as usual.
Its normal for your Tegaderm to fill with plasma, ink and blood. It typically creates a dark brown liquid that sits on your tattoo under the plastic. Leave it Alone. After a couple of days, the liquid will start to harden up a little bit. This liquid is actually helping your tattoo heal and is completely safe for the tattoo.
After 2 - 4 days, the best way to remove your Tegaderm is to slowly peel it off in the shower. It might be sore, so get ready for a bit of tenderness.
After the Tegaderm is removed, wash and moisturize your tattoo as usual using the directions below:
- Remove the Tegaderm, wash your hands – then gently wash the new tattoo with Dial Antibacterial Unscented hand soap and warm water. (You will want to do this 3 times a day for about a week after getting the tattoo.)
- Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a soft dabbing motion, or let it air dry.
- Massage a very thin, almost translucent layer of Redemption, Hustle Butter, or Coconut Oil on the tattoo. After three or four days, switch from the thicker ointments to a gentle unscented lotion of your choice. (Unscented Lubriderm is a great choice)
(If for some reason the liquid leaks out the bottom of the Tegaderm, or there is a puncture made in the plastic, please remove the Tegaderm immediately and care for your tattoo as regularly.)
REGULAR BANDAGES (For tattoos not wrapped in Tegaderm)
Leave the bandage on for 1 to 4 hours.
Remove the bandage, wash your hands – then gently wash the new tattoo with Dial Antibacterial Unscented hand soap and warm water. You will want to do this 3 times a day for about a week after getting the tattoo.
Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a soft dabbing motion, or let it air dry.
For Larger Tattoos: Massage a very thin, almost translucent layer of Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or Coconut Oil on the tattoo. After three or four days, switch from the thicker ointments to a gentle unscented lotion of your choice.
Massage in thoroughly, this helps keep the itchy, "peely" healing process under control.
Make sure to dab off excess ointment after application, you don't want your tattoo to be shiny.
Do/Don't
Don't freak out if your tattoo is red and/or irritated for a few days after your appointment, this is totally normal.
Don't re-bandage your tattoo for any reason, we want it to breathe in the fresh air.
Do keep up the washing regiment at least once a day for 7-10 days after getting the tattoo. It helps speed up the healing process and relieve the itching.
Don't overdo the ointment, it can clog your pores and ultimately mess up your tattoo – try to keep the applications thin and down to 3-5 times a day. This is the most common issue I see clients deal with.
Don't pick! Its normal for the tattoo to be itchy, but resist the scratching!
If you pick or scratch a healing tattoo, you can pull out pigments and create scar tissue.
Don't get into any hot tubs, swimming pools, baths or anything else that might submerge your tattoo underwater for long periods of time for two weeks. Avoid saunas and tanning beds for two weeks as well.
Do call us with questions!
Although usually helpful, don't ask Google or your friends for advice regarding tattoo stuff. If you have any questions or concerns about your new artwork, please don't hesitate to call or stop by the shop – that's what we're here for!
Remember, severe redness that spreads outward or in streaks, extreme swelling, and yellow or green puss can all be signs of an infection. If you believe there is an infection, go see your doctor. However, setting up a time to have a trained artist look at your tattoo, may save you a trip so please call or text me with any questions regarding the healing process.