✶ AFTERCARE ✶

Aftercare is a personal thing, and everyone has their own preferences!

After your session, your artist will wrap your tattoo with absorbent pads or an adhesive bandage (like DermShield or Sandierm).

Some clients love the adhesive bandage method, while others don’t. Some clients do a mixture of both, or prefer the old reliable method of dry healing! All of these methods are safe if done properly, and you can find more detailed instructions below.

Please note not all artists stock adhesive bandages, so if you prefer that method we suggest keeping some at home or bringing some with you to your appointment.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Step 1 | Wash your hands first, remove any bandages, and wash your tattoo with a gentle liquid soap.

Step 2 | Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let the tattoo breathe for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3 | Protect your tattoo for the first night with an adhesive bandage, absorbent pads, or simply keep it covered with clean + loose clothing. If not using an adhesive bandage, apply a thin layer of gentle moisturizer (coco/shea butter, aveeno, lubriderm, etc).

Step 4 | Wash your tattoo thoroughly first thing in the morning, allowing the tattoo to breathe again.

Step 5A | At this point you may choose to apply an adhesive bandage, which remains on the skin for 3-5 days. You can find full instructions here.

Step 5B | If opting for the old-school method, simply continue washing your tattoo 2-3 times a day and lightly moisturizing as needed, whenever the skin feels tight or dry. Be mindful to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes as to not irritate your tattoo, especially in the few days after your session.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Your tattoo will fully heal in about 2 weeks and will settle in your skin over the months following.

You'll be able to tell your tattoo is healed once it stops peeling. While your tattoo is healing, please remember to keep your tattoo out of bodies of water (the ocean, hot tubs, baths, etc), as it can mess with the healing process and introduce bacteria into the wound. Be mindful of your sun exposure, don't apply sunscreen on your tattoo until it has healed, and avoid picking at the healing skin.