Aftercare
The bandage brand that I use is called Ultraderm.
It’s a breathable and waterproof bandage that protects your tattoo at the start of the healing process. You should keep it on for at least 3 days, up to a week (7 days).
The only time you’ll want to remove the bandage sooner is if you notice any redness, rashes, or irritation around the bandage area, if so you may be experiencing an allergic reaction or irritation. Please remove the Ultraderm immediately (be gentle too!) and start your aftercare routine.
Mild gooping or a little bit of rosiness just around the tattoo area is common, but when in doubt, it’s better to remove the bandage sooner.
If any body plasma or water leaks in or out of the bandage, please remove it as it could become infected.
When it's time to take off the Ultraderm, shower to help loosen the adhesive. At the end of the shower, gently peel downwards along the direction of your body & hair growth. If it’s still tender give a bit more time in the shower. If there's any adhesive residue, it should come off with gentle cleaning. (avoid picking at it!) Please don’t rip it off quickly like a regular band-aid, as this can remove excess ink and can create irritation to your skin! Be gentle and take your time!
After removing the bandage, gently wash your tattoo with clean hands and unscented soap. Avoid any scented products, as they can irritate a healing tattoo, much like putting perfume on an open wound. Since your tattoo will be tender, wash it carefully; do not use a loofah, exfoliating soap, or bar soap, as scrubbing can lead to ink fallout.
Dry the tattoo by gently patting it with a clean fresh paper towel (which is more hygienic than a frequently washed bath towel). Then, apply a pea-sized amount of thin, unscented moisturizer, gently pat it in until fully absorbed. Be cautious not to over-moisturize or use thick lotions, as this can suffocate the tattoo or have dust stick to it. Avoid using polysporin or Vaseline as polysporin is more for infections and Vaseline prevents your skin from breathing and stuff can stick to it.
Its suggested repeating the cleaning and moisturizing process twice a day throughout the healing period.
A tattoo can take 4-6 weeks of healing, so please follow these guidelines:
* No soaking: Avoid baths, swimming, or hot tubs (showering is fine as long as it’s not jetting directly on it).
* No picking or scratching: This can lead to ink loss. If you experience itching, light pats or compresses can help.
* Avoid direct sunlight or tanning: You can't use sunscreen on a healing tattoo, so cover it with loose, soft &cleaning clothing to prevent abrasion.
* No shaving or waxing in the tattooed area until fully healed: This prevents removing peeling skin or risking cuts. Remember, you cannot get laser hair removal over a tattooed area.
It will take about 4-6 weeks for your tattoo to heal completely. Once there’s no peeling or glossiness, and the tattoo appears matte, you can stop aftercare. It’s recommended to continue moisturizing and using sunscreen after it’s fully healed to help with longevity.
If your tattoo needs extra care after it’s healed, touch-ups are available for $21 to cover material costs.
However, touch-ups of my work are free when it’s booked in with a new tattoo!
I’d love to hear how your tattoo heals, so please share your healed pictures!