Tattoo Aftercare
Read the method that matches the bandage used at your appointment. Follow these instructions carefully while your tattoo heals.
@justindarkartTraditional Method
Use this method if your tattoo was wrapped with standard bandage, plastic wrap, or absorbent wrap.
When You Get Home
Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours, or until you are home and able to wash the tattoo properly.
Wash your hands first. Remove the bandage and gently wash the tattoo with warm water and anti-bacterial unscented soap. Use clean hands only. Do not scrub and do not use a washcloth or loofah.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Let the tattoo air dry for a few minutes.
Apply a very thin layer of ointment such as "Aquaphor" or "A&D". The tattoo should not look wet, shiny, or greasy.
First Few Days
Wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day with anti-bacterial unscented soap.
After washing, pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a very thin layer of ointment.
Do not re-bandage the tattoo unless you were specifically instructed to.
While It Heals
Peeling, flaking, itching, and light scabbing can be normal.
Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo.
Keep it lightly moisturized, but do not over-apply product. Too much product can clog the skin and slow healing.
Wear clean, loose clothing over the area.
Derm Shield Method
Use this method if your tattoo was covered with a clear adhesive second-skin bandage.
Leave The Bandage On
Leave the Derm Shield on for the amount of time recommended at your appointment.
It is normal to see fluid, plasma, ink, or moisture collect under the bandage. This can look blurry or messy. That is usually normal as long as the seal is intact.
Remove It Early If
- The tattoo becomes exposed.
- Fluid leaks out of the bandage.
- The bandage rolls up enough to expose the tattoo.
- You develop a rash, burning, or intense irritation.
- The tattoo feels unusually hot, painful, or looks infected.
How To Remove
Remove slowly in a warm shower.
Do not rip it off quickly. Gently stretch and peel the bandage back over itself while warm water helps loosen the adhesive.
After removing, wash the tattoo with warm water and anti-bacterial unscented soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Let it air dry, then apply a thin layer of ointment.
After Removal
Continue washing 1–2 times daily.
Use ointment as needed and unscented lotion after 1-2 weeks.
Do not pick, scratch, soak, swim, tan, or expose the tattoo to dirty surfaces until fully healed.
What To Avoid
Until your tattoo is fully healed:
- No swimming.
- No baths or hot tubs.
- No saunas.
- No tanning or direct sun.
- No picking, scratching, or peeling.
- No tight clothing rubbing the tattoo.
- No gym equipment touching the tattoo.
- No scented lotion.
- No alcohol or peroxide.
- No Neosporin unless specifically recommended by a medical professional.
Showers are fine. Just do not soak the tattoo.
What Is Normal
- Mild redness.
- Mild swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Peeling or flaking.
- Itching.
- Light scabbing.
- Ink, plasma, or fluid leaking during the first day or two.
When To Be Concerned
Contact a medical professional if you notice:
- Redness spreading outward.
- Increasing pain after the first few days.
- Thick yellow or green pus.
- Bad smell.
- Red streaks.
- Fever or chills.
- Excessive swelling.
- Skin that feels very hot around the tattoo.
You can also contact me if you are unsure whether something looks normal.
Touch-Ups
Let the tattoo fully heal before judging whether it needs a touch-up. Healing usually takes about 2–4 weeks, but deeper settling can take longer.
If you think you may need a touch-up, send clear photos in natural lighting once it is fully healed.