Wet Heal Method (best for large-scale full saturation like blackouts):

 

1. Leave your new tattoo bandaged until the following morning

2. With clean washed hands, remove bandage with warm water and mild liquid soap. Avoid anything abrasive. Gold Dial hand soap or Dr Bronner's castile soap is recommended.

3. Air dry or carefully pat dry with a disposable paper towel. DO NOT RUB and make sure the tattoo is completely dry.

4. Once, dry, rewrap the dry tattoo with Saran Wrap or generic plastic wrap. Keep on for another 8 hours.

5. After 8 hours, wash your hands, clean the tattoo like before, re-wrap, and repeat the process for two more days. -- This will keep your tattoo wet and flexible and help flush all the blood out of the piece which will prevent scabbing. DO NOT KEEP YOUR TATTOO WRAPPED FOR LONGER THAN 8 HOURS. Bacteria can grow under the wrap and cause a serious infection. Make sure to wash it thoroughly and let it dry before re-wrapping.

6. After 3 days, leave the tattoo unwrapped, clean, and moisturized with colorless, unscented lotion. You may also use tattoo specific healing ointments like Hustle Butter, but remember to apply a THIN layer and let it fully absorb into the skin. Your tattoo should not be damp, tacky, or sticky after moisturizing. Gently dab away any excess moisturizer with a disposable paper towel if needed.

 

Second Skin Method (Saniderm, Tegaderm,  and other clear medical adhesive bandages)

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1. Leave the second Skin bandage on for 3-7 days

2. If the bandage leaks or peels off the tattoo on its own before the allotted time, take it off immediately. There is usually no need to re-bandage but if you are unsure, feel free to ask your tattooist for advice.

3. Bandage Removal instructions: With clean, washed hands peel the bandage off slowly under warm running water. You can massage a gentle mild soap into it to help ease off the adhesive. Take your time and don't rip it off quickly.

4. After the bandage is removed and the tattoo is washed, pat dry with a disposable paper towel and apply a THIN layer of colorless, unscented lotion or tattoo specific moisturizer. Moisturizer should be completely absorbed, gently dab away any access with a paper towel if there is any. Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized for the next several days to finish the healing process.

 

**Clear adhesive bandages can sometimes cause redness and irritation around the edges due to tension in the skin, this is normal and should go away on its own. HOWEVER, some people have experienced allergic reactions on particularly sensitive skin. If the skin under the bandage is red, swollen, itchy, hot, or otherwise in worse condition than when it was applied, remove the bandage immediately and do not rebandage. Continue with cleaning and LIGHTLY moisturizing twice daily until the skin and tattoo is healed.

 

Dry Heal Method

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1. Leave your tattoo bandaged until the following morning.

2. With clean, washed hands, remove the bandage and with warm water and mild liquid antibacterial soap or Dr. Bronner's Castille soap, clean the tattoo thoroughly. Do not use anything abrasive on your tattoo.

3. Rinse the tattoo with cool water.

4. Pat dry with a disposable paper towel. DO NOT RUB.

5. Moisturize lightly with a colorless, unscented moisturizer or tattoo ointment, dab away any excess moisturizer to keep the tattoo from being damp or tacky.

6. Clean and moisturize your tattoo twice daily (or a third time if it is really dry or uncomfortable) until the tattoo is fully healed.

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DURING HEALING:

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-Regardless of the method of healing, it is paramount to keep your tattoo clean.

-The tattoo may peel and become itchy, DO NOT SCRATCH it. A quick gentle slap can help relieve the itching sensation.

-Do not submerse your tattoo into any standing bodies of water (lakes, rivers, pools, hot tubs, bathtubs) or soak it until it is fully healed.

-Avoid direct sunlight. When the tattoo is completely healed, you may apply sunscreen. Sunscreen will provide longevity and help keep your new artwork safe from harmful UV rays which can cause premature fading and skin damage.

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We recommend colorless, unscented lotions like Lubriderm or tattoo products like Hustle Butter or Tattoo Balm. You may also use Shea butter. Always apply a SMALL amount at a time, less is more. 

We typically try to avoid petroleum based products like Aquaphor or A&D ointment for aftercare.

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NEVER use neosporin, bacatracin, or other wound healing ointments on your tattoo unless specifically prescribed by a medical professional. These products are made to lift foreign particles out of wounds and may cause ink particles to lift as well cause scarring.

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If in doubt, call your tattoo artist. Remember, everyone's healing process is different, and tattoos may take up to several weeks to fully heal. Be patient and follow these steps diligently to ensure your new tattoo remains a stunning piece of art. If you notice any signs of infection or have concerns about your tattoo's healing, don't hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist or a medical professional. Happy healing!

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