Tattoo Info and Aftercare

🖤 TATTOO AFTERCARE GUIDE
(Follow the method your artist used — read both if unsure)

🩹 METHOD 1: ADHESIVE BANDAGE (SecondSkin, Tegaderm, RecoveryDerm)
⚠️ DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL ADHESIVE ALLERGY

Leave film on for 3–5 days.
Fluid buildup is normal (plasma + ink). Don’t pop or drain it.

Watch for irritation in the shape of the bandage.
If present, remove immediately and contact your doctor.

Optional Re-Bandaging (after 24 hrs):

Wash hands thoroughly.
Remove film under warm water, pulling down, not out.
Wash tattoo gently with antibacterial soap until no longer slick.
Pat dry with paper towel or air dry.
Reapply film — smooth out air bubbles.
While wearing the bandage:

Avoid sweating, tight clothing, high movement, and water exposure.
Shower quickly and gently (no soaking or water blasting the bandage).

Removing the bandage (Day 3–5):
Best done in the shower
Peel down gently, supporting skin behind it
Wash with mild soap (no scrubs, no fragrance) until clean
Rinse with cold water
Pat dry with paper towel or air dry
Moisturize lightly with Aquaphor, Egyptian Magic, tattoo salve, or coconut oil (from a clean container).
→ Skin should NOT be greasy or shiny.

Expect light flaking — do not scratch or pick.

🧼 METHOD 2: TRADITIONAL HEALING (Wrap/Bandage + Ointment)
Remove bandage 3–4 hours after tattoo
Wash with lukewarm water + antibacterial/baby soap (Dial or Dr. Bronner’s)
Pat dry with paper towel
Apply a tiny amount of Aquaphor, Egyptian Magic, or approved tattoo salve
→ Tattoo should have just a soft sheen, NOT be wet or thick with ointment.

Repeat 2–3x daily for 3–5 days:

Wash, dry, reapply thin ointment.

Around Day 3–5:
Tattoo will begin to flake/peel like a sunburn
Switch to unscented lotion (Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel)
Moisturize as needed and continue washing gently for 2 weeks
⚠️ AVOID FOR 2 WEEKS:
🚫 Soaking (baths, pools, ocean, hot tubs)
🚫 Sun exposure
🚫 Tight clothing (bras, waistbands, etc.)
🚫 Heavy movement/sweating of tattooed area
🚫 Scratching or picking
🚫 Dirty hands or surfaces touching tattoo

⚠️ POSSIBLE INFECTION SIGNS:
Red haze after 1 week
White/gray patches or deep indentations
Yellow/green scabs, pus, foul odor
👉 If you suspect infection, contact your doctor immediately.

☀️ LONG-TERM CARE:
Moisturize regularly
Use sunscreen on healed tattoos to prevent fading.

TRUST YOUR ARTIST.
Not your buddy, not the internet, not someone tattooing out of their garage.

Any concerns?
→ Contact your artist & your primary healthcare provider.