⚚ Tattoo Aftercare: How To Take Care of Your Fresh Tattoo ⚚

Tegaderm being put on a fresh tattoo.

Tegaderm being put on a fresh tattoo.

Immediately after your session, we wipe the tattoo clean with liquid soap and let the tattoo breathe for a few minutes. After that, we use one of two bandages, A Classic Bandage or Tegaderm. A Classic Bandage is a short-term, latex-free, non-adherent bandage that sits on top of your tattoo held down by tape. Tegaderm is a transparent, latex, adhesive strip that covers your tattoo while letting it breathe. Read on or jump down to the part that talks about the bandage used on your tattoo.

CLASSIC BANDAGE

You got the Classic Bandage, this likely means you’re allergic to latex, got tattooed on the elbow, knee, or shoulder, OR we ran out of Tegaderm. Follow these steps, they’re pretty straightforward:

  • Remove bandage after 1-3 hours

  • Wash tattooed area

  • Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor after washing

  • Aquaphor is only to be used for the first 3-4 days

  • Bandage reapplication is not needed

TEGADERM BANDAGE

We used Tegaderm on you, which means you're not allergic to latex and probably got a tattoo somewhere else on your body other than a major joint. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Remove the bandage after 3-4 days

  • To remove, Run warm soapy water on the bandage to lubricate the skin and weaken the adhesive bond

  • Gently roll up a corner of the bandage to begin

  • DO NOT forcefully pull up and away from the skin

  • Lightly roll the bandage off along the skin's surface

  • Gently wash the tattoo area after removal,

  • Some adhesive residue may remain after washing, DO NOT force off

AFTER THE BANDAGE COMES OFF

Now that the bandages are off, the real work begins.

  • Gently lather the area with mild fragrance-free soap and warm water. Rinse. Lightly pat your tattoo and area dry with a paper towel. Do this two times a day

  • Moisturize with fragrance-free lotion no more than 2-3 times daily

DURING THE HEALING PROCESS

Your tattoo will look healed after two weeks, but it usually takes about a month before your tattoo is actually healed. Keep these things in mind during this time:

  • Stay hydrated and moisturized as needed

  • The tattooed area shouldn't feel too tight or dry but some discomfort should be expected

  • Expect peeling, flaking, and scabbing

  • DO NOT pick, scratch, or irritate tattooed skin

  • DO NOT use products containing alcohol, aloe, fragrances, abrasives, or healing additives

  • AVOID heavy UV light exposure

  • LIMIT prolonged exposure to water

  • A sheen will appear on your tattoo during the final weeks of the healing process, this is normal and will go away once it’s healed fully

  • CONSULT your physician if signs of infection occur

Taking good care of your tattoo is essential and should be taken seriously, especially if you want your tattoo to look good for as long as possible. Reach out to your artist if you have any questions or concerns.

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