Tattoo Aftercare

  • Recovery Derm Shield Bandage a latex-free transparent matte film adhesive bandage, offers maximum breathability and flexibility, providing optimal conditions for flawless healing and skin renewal. It is a wet heal, where you will get an “ink sack” underneath, which helps eliminate scabbing and reduce the risk of scarring as well as preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. The fluid underneath the bandage is completely normal, using your body’s natural healing agents. Its water resistant, matte, breathable, and flexible. This bandage is to be worn up to a week. If your body is showing contact dermatitis/irritation from the bandage, you can take off the derm shield earlier. I recommend 3-5 days on the lowest end. If you can, wear for the week if no reactions and your body is doing well.

    IF you see a rash, skin turns extremely red, or lines/cuts around the bandage itself (one or all the above), please take off the wrap and begin regular aftercare (washing tattoo, unscented undyed lotion). It’s more than likely an allergy or sensitivity to the adhesive/plastic. It’s VERY rare but can happen.

     

    Leaking can happen. Dab it dry with paper towel. It will stop within a day or so. It’s a big, clear Band-Aid and the fluid has nowhere to go (you can thank gravity for that one).

    If you need to change out the bandage due to too much fluid, bandage half peeled off and exposing tattoo, could get contaminants into bandage due to separating from skin and there’s an opening, etc., please take off the bandage wrap.  ALWAYS wash your hands prior to touching your fresh or healing tattoo! It’s an open wound so treat it as such.

    Once the bandage is off, you can then clean off your tattoo with your pump antibacterial soap and let it fully dry.  Now you can rewrap with extra recovery bandage. To rewrap, take off the back side (white paper side). Essentially, its similar to contact paper. That sticky side goes against your skin dry. Once down on your skin and covering the tattooed area, peel off the top side of the derm shield at the orange tabs (top side has the black plus marks).  

    If your tattoo is fully covered/none of the tattoo is exposed (nothing got into the bandage) but the edges are curling up and getting close to the tattoo, you can use the extra pieces to “Patch job” those areas and help reseal them down. This way everything is still protected but didn’t necessarily need a full new bandage rewrap.

     

    For longevity of the bandage, keep away from hot water in the shower and try to keep that area out of direct contact/stream of water. The heat will separate the adhesive from your skin and leaving it exposed to bacteria and contaminants to get inside and create a cesspool pocket inside the remaining bandage. It’s the same thing for submerging in water (baths, hot tubs, pools, saunas, etc). This is why you have to wait for those types of activities until AFTER the tattoo is fully healed. Otherwise, there is a high chance/risk for infection.  In the meantime, make the amount of time the bandage is under water minimal until ready to remove. 

    IF soap, water, or contaminants get inside the bandage at all PLEASE REMOVE IMMEDIATELY and clean with pump antibacterial soap (i.e., dial gold, soft soap clear, Dr. Bronner’s unscented (dilute it since its concentrate)). Leaving the bandage on with the contaminants and bacteria that got inside could cause an infection. DO NOT REWRAP! Begin aftercare (washing, dry, and lotion).

     

    When removing Recovery Derm, it’s definitely easier in the shower or under running water. Keep the water temperature at a comfortable level on your skin when removing. Always pull down, or “with the grain” rather than up and against it. It comes off easier and less likely to irritate your skin. Having the corner pulling up and away to get a bit of lift might help lift the bandage away from the skin and easier to peel down and remove. If there’s still a little bit of adhesive residue stuck on your skin, little Hustlebutter deluxe or coconut oil will help remove that.

     

    Once the bandage is removed and completed the recommended time, you can begin the cleaning the process. Always touch your tattoo with clean hands only in order to avoid getting bacteria into your fresh wound. I recommend the same soap you’re going to use for aftercare. The soap you should be using is a pump fragrance free, dye free, antibacterial soap such as Dial Gold, Soft Soap Clear, Dr Bronner’s unscented (need to dilute since concentrate and will burn otherwise).  NO BAR SOAP! Bar soap will collect bacteria on the top layer, get into your wound, and can lead to infection.

    Lather and rinse your tattoo off.  Let your tattoo fully dry.  You can either let your tattoo air dry or pat dry with clean paper towel. DO NOT use cloth to dry your tattoo. It traps bacteria inside the fibers and could infect your new tattoo. No loofas or exfoliants until tattoo is fully healed (roughly 4-6 weeks).

     

    Once your tattoo is dry, it’s time to apply lotion. For the first week, I recommend can use Aquaphor, Hustlebutter deluxe, Hush, or Mad Rabbit. Personally, Hustlebutter is my favorite.  Little goes a long way! If it’s very glossy or greasy, you have far too much on. Dab off the excess, otherwise your skin can’t breathe and can cause issues. Skin will be dry and itchy after the bandage comes off. Your skin is still healing. These bandages do make you heal way faster, but doesn’t mean it is fully healed. You may find a few scabs still there or just a lot of dry flakey skin (silver skin). These will help with that.

    Apply 2-3 times a day, morning and night are the most important times. If your tattoo gets touched, bumped, or in contact with something gross please wash it right away.  Same thing for if you get really sweaty, please wash off the tattoo right away. We don’t want sweat build up in a fresh wound. Wash off the tattoo before adding more aftercare product to make sure you aren’t trapping bacteria in between the layers. After using that the first week, you can switch to a fragrance free and dye free lotion (i.e., Aveeno, Eucerin, Lubriderm, Cerefil, etc).

    ***If you do not care to use Aquaphor, Hustlebutter, Hush, and/or Mad Rabbit products at all, you can just use the fragrance free, dye free lotion for the month.

     

    This is a great time to clean towels and bed sheets while the bandage is on. Once you remove the bandage, it is exposed to the elements. With clean towels and sheets, it helps to ensure less bacteria or contaminants getting into or on your tattoo. You won’t be drying your tattoo off with the towels! It’s just in case in the shower your tattoo comes into contact with the towel by accident, at least it’s a clean and not full of bacteria and dead skin cells. Please be careful with sleeping with and handling pets or small children.  We love them, but their fur, dander, claws/paws/scales, hair, dead skin cells, etc. hold a lot of bacteria. Both can harbor bacteria in different ways. Just be cautious and mindful while your piece is healing.

     

    Once your tattoo is fully healed (no more scabs or entry ways for bacteria, not shiny anymore. Roughly 4-6 weeks), you can then be out back in the sun, swimming, and/or tanning. If outdoors in the sun, I highly suggest using sunscreen on your tattoos to help protect them from skin cancer and longevity of the tattoo.

    With working out, avoid activities that cause excess sweating and the muscles/area that just got tattooed for about a week. Time to take a break and let your body heal. The skin is still healing and just needs time. Again, it is an open wound. Think of it as a large area of road rash or a big cut. I get wanting to get back to your routine, but you’ll have to take it easy for a bit and give your body some time. Gyms are full of bacteria and more (possible fungi, ringworm, MRSA, etc.).  Keep workouts light and easy along with keeping the area away from too much contact with contaminated items.

    Lastly, take time to let your body heal and listen to your body. It needs rest, fluids, nutritious food, and time.

     

    Things to avoid:

    ·      No swimming, tanning, saunas, or submerged baths of any kind for a month. There cannot be any scabs or open wounds. (NO you cannot use extra recovery pieces to cover it to go swimming or tanning. It is a bandage to help you heal and isn’t waterproof.  It’s not a solution to do other activities listed above before your tattoo is fully healed.)

    ·      No picking or scratching your tattoo. You can severely damage your tattoo and get bacteria into your wound. 

    ·      Do not use towels, luffas, or wash cloths on your tattoo. Only use clean hands and disposable clean paper towel for dabbing dry.

    ·      Avoid tight clothes. It will just be incredibly irritating and cause discomfort/healing issues to your tattoo. Fabric softeners and fragrances could cause irritation if heavily perfumed and rubbing on your healing piece.

    ·      Never rewrap your tattoo after the recommended time is done with the bandage.  (If it’s to change out, totally fine.) After this point of having a week (or close to) on, there is no rewrapping. This is time for aftercare and letting your body finish the rest of the way and breathe.

    ·      Be careful with dirty surroundings such as dirty jobs, around areas full of people and germs (i.e., parties, concerts, gyms, etc.)  It’s still a healing open wound at the end of the day. Just keep it clean, be cautious, and mindful and you’ll be just fine

  • ·      Clean off the tattoo! Remove excess plasma and blood with clean hands or clean disposable gloves.

    ·      Apply ointment. Apply an appropriate amount ointment to the tattoo with clean hands or clean disposable gloves (new set). You want the whole tattoo to be moisturized, and a little sheen on it. If it super glossy or you can tell it’s a thick layer, dab off the excess with clean paper towel. You still want the skin and tattoo to breathe (don’t suffocate it with excessive ointment).

    ·      Apply the pad to the tattoo. Carefully place the Tattoo Armour Sheets on the tattoo, ensuring proper coverage and leaving some padding between the tattoo and healthy skin.

    ·      Tape down the pads! Get them fitted and flush with your skin. You want to ensure a comfortable and tight fit. Use sensiwrap or medical grade tape to secure down.

    ·      Keep the sheets on for 6 to 8 hours and remove them without much discomfort. The absorbed plasma may resemble the tattoo image.

    ·      Rewash the tattoo area with antibacterial pump soap and water, only touching with clean hands of course.

    ·      Dry with clean paper towel or air dry for about 20 minutes. You want the skin to be fully dry. No rubbing to avoid irritation.

    ·      Apply a small amount of ointment and repeat the previous steps until the sheets come off clean. Continuously use ointment for 10 to 14 days to prevent dryness and maintain skin health.

    ·      You can cut the pads smaller if you need. However, please do not create a mosaic of tiny little pads. You can cut the pad once, otherwise they will not work as designed.

    ·      With sleeping, you do not need to wake up in the middle of the night to change your pads. Yes, it means your pads are on for a little longer, but due to the fact that you’re moving a lot less, then you’ll bleed a little less as well. So it all evens out. Sleeping with the pads on is definitely the most comfortable option available. Trust us, we’ve tried, many times.

     

    Remaining aftercare information:

    Once the bandage is removed and completed the recommended time, you can begin the cleaning the process. Always touch your tattoo with clean hands only in order to avoid getting bacteria into your fresh wound. I recommend the same soap you’re going to use for aftercare. The soap you should be using is a pump fragrance free, dye free, antibacterial soap such as Dial Gold, Soft Soap Clear, Dr Bronner’s unscented (need to dilute since concentrate and will burn otherwise).  NO BAR SOAP! Bar soap will collect bacteria on the top layer, get into your wound, and can lead to infection.

    Lather and rinse your tattoo off.  Let your tattoo fully dry.  You can either let your tattoo air dry or pat dry with clean paper towel. DO NOT use cloth to dry your tattoo. It traps bacteria inside the fibers and could infect your new tattoo. No loofas or exfoliants until tattoo is fully healed (roughly 4-6 weeks).

     

    Once your tattoo is dry, it’s time to apply lotion. For the first week, I recommend can use Aquaphor, Hustlebutter deluxe, Hush, or Mad Rabbit. Personally, Hustlebutter is my favorite.  Little goes a long way! If it’s very glossy or greasy, you have far too much on. Dab off the excess, otherwise your skin can’t breathe and can cause issues. Skin will be dry and itchy after the bandage comes off. Your skin is still healing. These bandages do make you heal way faster, but doesn’t mean it is fully healed. You may find a few scabs still there or just a lot of dry flakey skin (silver skin). These will help with that.

    Apply 2-3 times a day, morning and night are the most important times. If your tattoo gets touched, bumped, or in contact with something gross please wash it right away.  Same thing for if you get really sweaty, please wash off the tattoo right away. We don’t want sweat build up in a fresh wound. Wash off the tattoo before adding more aftercare product to make sure you aren’t trapping bacteria in between the layers. After using that the first week, you can switch to a fragrance free and dye free lotion (i.e., Aveeno, Eucerin, Lubriderm, Cerefil, etc).

    ***If you do not care to use Aquaphor, Hustlebutter, Hush, and/or Mad Rabbit products at all, you can just use the fragrance free, dye free lotion for the month.

     

    This is a great time to clean towels and bed sheets while the bandage is on. Once you remove the bandage, it is exposed to the elements. With clean towels and sheets, it helps to ensure less bacteria or contaminants getting into or on your tattoo. You won’t be drying your tattoo off with the towels! It’s just in case in the shower your tattoo comes into contact with the towel by accident, at least it’s a clean and not full of bacteria and dead skin cells. Please be careful with sleeping with and handling pets or small children.  We love them, but their fur, dander, claws/paws/scales, hair, dead skin cells, etc. hold a lot of bacteria. Both can harbor bacteria in different ways. Just be cautious and mindful while your piece is healing.

     

    Once your tattoo is fully healed (no more scabs or entry ways for bacteria, not shiny anymore. Roughly 4-6 weeks), you can then be out back in the sun, swimming, and/or tanning. If outdoors in the sun, I highly suggest using sunscreen on your tattoos to help protect them from skin cancer and longevity of the tattoo.

    With working out, avoid activities that cause excess sweating and the muscles/area that just got tattooed for about a week. Time to take a break and let your body heal. The skin is still healing and just needs time. Again, it is an open wound. Think of it as a large area of road rash or a big cut. I get wanting to get back to your routine, but you’ll have to take it easy for a bit and give your body some time. Gyms are full of bacteria and more (possible fungi, ringworm, MRSA, etc.).  Keep workouts light and easy along with keeping the area away from too much contact with contaminated items.

    Lastly, take time to let your body heal and listen to your body. It needs rest, fluids, nutritious food, and time.

     

    Things to avoid:

    ·      No swimming, tanning, saunas, or submerged baths of any kind for a month. There cannot be any scabs or open wounds. (NO you cannot use extra recovery pieces to cover it to go swimming or tanning. It is a bandage to help you heal and isn’t waterproof.  It’s not a solution to do other activities listed above before your tattoo is fully healed.)

    ·      No picking or scratching your tattoo. You can severely damage your tattoo and get bacteria into your wound. 

    ·      Do not use towels, luffas, or wash cloths on your tattoo. Only use clean hands and disposable clean paper towel for dabbing dry.

    ·      Avoid tight clothes. It will just be incredibly irritating and cause discomfort/healing issues to your tattoo. Fabric softeners and fragrances could cause irritation if heavily perfumed and rubbing on your healing piece.

    ·      Never rewrap your tattoo after the recommended time is done with the bandage.  (If it’s to change out, totally fine.) After this point of having a week (or close to) on, there is no rewrapping. This is time for aftercare and letting your body finish the rest of the way and breathe.

    ·      Be careful with dirty surroundings such as dirty jobs, around areas full of people and germs (i.e., parties, concerts, gyms, etc.)  It’s still a healing open wound at the end of the day. Just keep it clean, be cautious, and mindful and you’ll be just fine 

  • If wrapped with cling wrap, this is to only protect you until you get to your destination. The maximum time you should wear this is 2 hrs. It’s to make sure your tattoo is less exposed and doesn’t stick to your clothing until you arrive home.

     

    Once you reach your destination or the 2 hrs is up, it’s time to start aftercare. First, wash off your hands with a pump antibacterial soap. Then, remove the cling wrap. Once the bandage is off, you can begin the cleaning the process. Always handle your tattoo with clean hands in order to avoid getting bacteria into your fresh wound. I recommend the same soap you’re going to use to clean off your tattoo.

     

    The soap you should be using is a pump fragrance free, dye free, antibacterial soap such as Dial Gold or Soft Soap Clear.  Never use bar soap! Bar soap will collect bacteria and can lead to infection. Lather and rinse your tattoo off.

     

    Now it’s time to dry. You can either let your tattoo completely air dry or pat dry with clean paper towel. Do not use cloth to dry your tattoo. It traps bacteria inside the fibers and could infect your new tattoo.

     

    Once your tattoo is now dry, it’s time to apply lotion.

    For the first week if you so choose, you can use Aquaphor. Little goes a long way! If it’s very glossy or greasy, you have far too much on. Dab off the excess, otherwise your skin can’t breathe and will cause issues.

    Apply 2-3 times a day, morning and night are the most important times. Wash off the tattoo before adding more on to make sure you aren’t trapping bacteria in between the layers. After using that the first week, you can switch to a fragrance free and dye free lotion.

     

    If you want to not use Aquaphor, you can use fragrance free and dye free lotion for the month.

    (Examples of lotion: Aveeno, Eucerin, Lubriderm)

     

    Skin will be dry and itchy after the bandage comes off. Your skin is healing, like when you get a cut and it scabs. The lotion will help with this aspect.

    You will develop scabs. This is normal as the body is trying to heal itself. They are going to be incredibly itchy. Do not pick or scratch. This can damage the tattoo and can cause bacteria to get into your wound.

     

    This is a great time to clean towels and bed sheets while the bandage is on. Once you remove the bandage, it is exposed to the elements. With clean towels and sheets, it helps to ensure less bacteria or contaminants getting into or on your tattoo.

     

    Once your tattoo is fully healed, you can then be out back in the sun, swimming, and/or tanning. If outside, I highly suggest using sunscreen on your tattoos to help protect them and for longevity.

     

    Lastly, take time to let your body heal and listen to your body. It needs rest, fluids, and time.

     

    Things to avoid:

    ·      No swimming, tanning, or submerged baths of any kind for a month. There cannot be any scabs or open skin. This otherwise can be an entryway for bacteria and can cause an infection.

    ·      No picking or scratching your tattoo. You can severely damage your tattoo and get bacteria into your wound. 

    ·      Do not use towels, luffas, or wash cloths on your tattoo. Only use clean hands and disposable clean paper towel if you want to for drying off.

    ·      Avoid tight clothes. It will just be incredibly irritating and cause discomfort/issues to your tattoo.

    ·      Never rewrap your tattoo after the bandage comes off! Once the tattoo has been off for over a few hours, you no longer can rewrap your tattoo. You can cause bacteria and sweat to build up underneath and get into your tattoo.

    ·      Be careful with dirty surroundings such as dirty jobs, around areas full of people and germs, etc. It is an open wound and should be treated as such.

     

Tattoo FAQs

  • Dress comfortable, especially for longer sessions.

    I recommend to have clothing that exposes the area that will be getting tattooed that is loose enough and out of the way of applying the tattoo. It will make my job a lot easier if I’m not righting with a fabric while tattooing you. However, I do recommend layers or clothing that can keep you covered and warmer besides the area that the tattoo is being applied in. An example is a sternum/stomach tattoo and wearing a tank that can be pulled up, bikini tie top, button down shirt that’s open, and or pasties. I do provide pasties at the studio if needed.

    Another example is a leg tattoo and wearing stretchy loose athletic shorts, swim bottoms, or loose maxi skirt/oversized dress. (depending where on the leg the tattoo will be) Also could bring a blanket or sweatpants and wear or cover just the leg that isn’t getting tattooed.

    If unsure what to wear for the area, just ask me when we’re discussing your piece! I’ll let you know and help you prepare.

  • Eat a good, nutritious, and balanced meal prior. You want to be full, have what your body needs to withstand the pain and heal (have carbs, proteins, and sugars to keep levels up). I encourage to also bring snacks and beverages with you at your appointment. You might need then during your session, depending on pain tolerances, health conditions, and/or length of time getting tattooed.

    Stay Hydrated! No drinking or partying the night before. Drink plenty of water ahead of time. The tattoo won’t hurt as badly and you’ll sit a lot better for your session. Reminder, alcohol is a blood thinner so you will bleed more during your session if you were drinking the day prior.

    Being hydrated will also keep you healthy and help your skin! It’ll be easier to apply your tattoo and create an easier session along with better healing.

    Get a good nights rest! You will be able to sit longer and more comfortably. You’ll also want to rest and take it easy after its done in the early healing stages. It’s trauma to the skin and body. Your body will need the energy to get through the discomfort and help it heal. So be gentle and kind with it.

    Bring anything that is comforting or a good distraction to help you through your session. I do talk with you, play music, and have some fidgets/sensory items on a side table for you. However, if you also would like your own headphones, a book, crochet project, comfy slippers, video game handheld system etc. by all means! I want to set you up for a good, successful day! Bring any chargers with you if applicable.

    If you are wanting to bring a friend, just ask! I’m sure we can accommodate for a friend to come with you to your appointment. All I ask is no large groups unless specifically booking a large party/multiple people//matching tattoos. We are a small studio so there is limited space along with other artists to consider.

  • I recommend letting the tattoo heal up for a few days up to a week off from the gym.

    Gyms are full of bacteria and not always the cleanest places to have a fresh wound. On top of that, your body just got this wound and needs time to heal. Let your body do what it does best and take care of yourself. It’s so worth a little time off and healing correctly than rushing back into a routine when it isn’t ready.

    You also want to avoid getting your fresh tattoo sweaty. While sweat is mostly water, it does have traces of salt, urea, glycerol, ammonia, and lactic acid. This plus heat, which helps bacteria breed is a recipe for disaster. If you get sweaty (bandage off or with bandage on), clean it with pump antibacterial soap and begin aftercare or reapply recovery wrap if applicable.

    When working out, do non strenuous exercises that don’t overwork that area of the body that just got tattooed. Give your body time to heal before pushing it in that area. I’d recommend about a week and a half to two weeks before going back to that area. Start off slow and amp back up.

  • Swimming, hot tubs, beaches, pools and sauna* are all to be avoided until your tattoo is fully healed. We need to make sure there are no scabs, cuts, or entryways for bacteria to get through. The skin needs to be fully netted together and back to normal. Just like it was before the tattoo, now it’s just decorated! This typically takes about 3-4 weeks.

    *this includes bubble baths or floats, basically anything where it is submerged in water.

    Some people heal faster than others, some slower. This depends on a lot of factors such as a person’s health and immune system.

    Diabetes, circulation, autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiency, location on the body, and blood pressure can all contribute to this so good to keep in mind. If unsure, just ask me!

    Tanning goes along the same lines. We want the skin fully healed and netted together. Typically, this is 3-4 weeks. I recommend once this happens, wear sunscreen if in the sun. Sun can age your tattoo (making areas darker and spread or lighted and fall out). Some pigments are also sun sensitive/reactive. It may get irritated (slightly raised or rashy after fully healed when in the sun without protection). It’s rare but can happen.

    *note: rashes could be from an allergy to something completely separate or a reaction completely separate. Our skin is the largest organ we have. It also could be from laundry detergent, plants, pets, environmental factors, new developed allergies to product or food, etc.

    Please if unsure, just ask. However, use common sense and if it doesn’t seem ready, don’t do it and let your body have more time to recover.

  • I advise not to use numbing cream.

    I used to allow it in the past. However, I started noticing color fallout or rougher healing times. I talked with other artists and read articles about the matter. I believe that these companies aren’t regulating these products and aren’t safe enough to continue use. It’s not worth the risk to have healing issues or potential health risks.

    They don’t last that long during your tattoo. It wears off fairly quickly and then comes back hurting worse. It also changes the texture of the skin and can create difficult skin to work with.

    I know what you’re thinking. Now what do I use if it hurts too much? I got you covered. I have Bactine ready to help with open skin and use throughout the tattoo session. It’s safe to use and helps calm down the skin without compromising your health and skin texture.

    If you have decided to use numbing cream even though advised not to, I will make you sign a separate waiver stating you know the risks and that I am not liable. You will also forfeit your free touch up.

  • All bodies are tattoo bodies.

    Everyone is welcome in my chair. There is no hate allowed. All ages (18+), skin tones and textures, sizes, genders and non gender conforming and backgrounds. There will be no tolerance for misogyny, racism, homophobia, transphobia, body shaming, or agism.