Aftercare

After your tattoo is complete, I will bandage you with dermshield or a dri-loc pad.

Bandage process:

Dermshield

  • leave on for 2-3 days.

  • you can shower with your bandage on.

  • keep tattoo out of direct sun while bandage is on, and avoid sweating/working out.

  • remove under running water, peeling it slowly & gently away from your skin. lathering the bandage with soap can help loosen the adhesive.

  • if sweat pools under your bandage & doesn’t evaporate, remove the bandage (it’s ok if it comes off early!).

  • if an edge is compromised/there is a pathway into the tattooed area, remove the bandage.

  • if your tattoo gets considerably red, itchy, or bumpy while your dermshield bandage is on, you may be having an allergic reaction to the adhesive. remove your bandage and proceed with normal aftercare. you can take an oral antihistamine to treat the allergy symptoms.

Dri-loc pad

  • remove in 4-6 hours

After removing your bandage:

Wash your new tattoo with an antibacterial soap (I recommend dial gold) and allow to air dry or pat dry with a paper towel. wash 1-2 times per day for the first week.

Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion if your tattoo feels itchy or tight. Something gentle like cerave can be a good choice, but you can use any gentle unscented moisturizer that you already know works well for your skin. Avoid thick or petroleum-based products like Aquaphor, as this can prolong healing.

Do not swim, use a sauna, or otherwise soak your tattoo in water during the healing process (showers are fine!). You should also keep your tattoo protected from direct sunlight and wear loose fitting clothing around the tattooed area while it’s healing. Do not scratch or scrub your tattoo during healing. Don’t apply sunscreen until your tattoo is fully healed (usually around 3-4 weeks— once it’s no longer raised or peeling at all).

Normal during healing:

  • itching

  • peeling

  • light redness

  • light swelling

Not normal/possible signs of infection (seek medical attention):

  • significant/persistent redness or swelling

  • persistent tenderness of tattoo site

  • fever

  • pus/drainage from or near tattoo site

The best thing you can do to care for your tattoos long-term is wear sunscreen whenever you’re going to be outside.

Touch-ups

Touch-ups are free for up to two years after getting your tattoo. Email me to schedule a touch-up!