Tattoo Aftercare

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Derm Shield is a clear yet flexible bandaid that is placed over your tattoo after your session. Your artist will recommend that you leave it on for a minimum of 3 to 5 days. The purpose of Derm Shield is to protect your tattoo from the elements while healing it using your body’s natural wound fighting capabilities. By not being exposed to the elements or outside interference, this allows a faster and more comfortable healing process, and reduces the chance of infection greatly. 

If your tattoo was covered with Derm Shield,  check out these helpful tips on how to take care of your new tattoo:

1. Leave it on for a minimum of 3-5 days (7 days max) or as specified by your artist.

2.  Make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. 

3. If a bubble of ink grows in your wrap, don’t worry, this is known as an “ink sac” and keeps your tattoo moisturized naturally.

4. Once 3-5 days have passed, you are free to remove your Derm Shield by slowly peeling it off under cool running water. Peeling it off dry will cause irritation.

5. Continue to care for your tattoo by washing it 2x a day and applying ointment after each wash (lotion if your tattoo is peeling).

6. Do not pick or itch your tattoo, as this may cause scarring and delay the healing process.

Please refer to the next question >>

1. Wash your fresh tattoo with unscented soap 2-3 times a day.

2. After each wash, apply a very thin layer of ointment. 

3. Continue to do this for 1-2 weeks or until you notice signs of peeling.

4.  Once your tattoo starts to peel, continue caring for it by washing it daily and moisturizing it with unscented lotion. 

5. Do not pick or itch your tattoo as this may cause scarring and delay the healing process. 

6. Protect the tattoo from direct sunlight, as this may cause rapid fading and discoloration.

Absolutely! You can definitely shower with your wrap on. Please note that hot water will still irritate your tattoo through the wrap so please do try to limit high temperature contact with your fresh tattoo.

Please avoid submerging your tattoo in still water as it heals. Swimming pools and bathtubs tend to harbor bacteria, which can cause infections and could lead to more serious consequences. Lukewarm showers are fine (you can also shower with Saniderm on as well).

If you work in a high risk job and are often touching things, we recommend wearing bandaids on your fingers for the first 5 days. When removing your bandaids, make sure to wash your tattoo(s) and apply a thin layer of ointment after each wash. Please make sure to wear clean and sterile bandaids each day to avoid infection.

If you will not be wearing bandaids, make sure to wash your tattoos at least twice a day and apply a thin layer of ointment after each wash. Once there are signs of peeling (after about 5-7 days), you may proceed to use unscented lotion until your tattoos have fully healed (4-6 weeks).

Please also note that unlike other areas of the body, finger/hand tattoos do tend to fade quickly, and depending on your lifestyle/occupation, they may even disappear almost completely. This is normal, as the skin on the hands/fingers does shed quickly and has a harder texture. Touch ups are almost always required. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions regarding finger tattoos. 

Unfortunately, as popular as it is, please avoid the use of Vaseline for your tattoo. It tends to clog the pores much easier and doesn’t allow your tattoo to heal naturally.

Here are some brands we’d recommend:

-Nature's Beast Aftercare (Sponsored Product)

 Available for purchase in-shop.

-Aquaphor 

-A&D

Of course, these are brands recommended by us but feel free to use what works best for you. 

Please use an unscented soap to regularly clean your healing tattoo. Avoid fragrances or soaps with friction beads. We also advise against loofahs and scrubbers until your tattoo has fully healed. 

When taken care of properly, it takes about 4-6 weeks for a tattoo to heal. The healing time does vary from person to person. 

It’s best to avoid working out at least 3 days after getting tattooed. If it’s a necessity, make sure to keep the area clean and wash it immediately after working out. If you were covered with saniderm and your fresh tattoo starts stinging, remove the saniderm and proceed to wash the tattooed area immediately. 

Applying sunscreen on a fresh tattoo can cause irritation and delay the healing process. Sunlight and exposure to UV rays greatly affects a fresh tattoo, resulting in discoloration of the ink. Since you can’t put on sunscreen until your tattoo is fully healed, it’s best to avoid sun hitting that area altogether. After your tattoo heals please wear sunscreen regularly to keep it looking brand new. 

Please wait about a month or until your tattoo has fully healed. Shaving creams can cause irritation and shaving razors can increase the risk of infection.  

This is a natural part of the healing process. When the skin starts to heal, cell growth and repair develops, causing flakiness and itchiness. Please refrain from itching the area, as this could cause scarring and healing complications. Make sure to apply unscented lotion to the skin once it starts flaking/peeling.