Tattoo Aftercare

Second Skin Bandage

Leave your bandage on for a minimum of 24 hours. You may leave the bandage on, for up to 3 days, as long as it has stayed sealed and has not started to peel off and expose the fresh tattoo. In the event that it has, skip to removal instructions below.

Removing the Bandage

When you go to remove the bandage at any point, follow the steps below:

1) Remove the bandage by gently peeling the corners of the bandage under running water or in the shower (at a comfortable temperature). Be patient and remove slowly to ensure you don’t cause irritation.

2) First washing your hands completely, gently wash your tattoo with non-scented antibacterial pump soap (ex. Dial Gold) using only your hand. DO NOT use a bar soap or body wash. DO NOT use a washcloth or a loofah on your tattoo until it is completely healed.

3) Rinse thoroughly & pat dry with a CLEAN paper towel. Let it air dry for 10-15 minutes. DO NOT use a bath towel, you do not want lint or fuzzies stuck to your tattoo.

After Removing the Bandage

Once you have officially removed your bandage, wash your tattoo 3-4 times a day in the same way described above (remember to always wash your hands first). After patting drying with a CLEAN paper towel, apply a VERY thin layer of unscented lotion (ex. Lubriderm, Cera Ve, Curel, or any brand for sensitive skin) to keep area moisturized.

Healing Process

Your tattoo may scab & peel naturally. DO NOT pick at it, as that may cause the ink to fall out. It will fully heal in about 2-3 weeks, and will continue to settle for the months following. You may take Ibuprofen to reduce swelling as directed.

Things to Avoid

  • NO baths, swimming, or hot tubs. Regular showers are fine, you just want to avoid submerging your tattoo in water while it is healing.

  • NO sunbathing, rigorous exercise, or basically anything that may expose your tattoo to dirty surfaces & bacteria. Be mindful that your tattoo is an open wound and must be protected until healed.

  • NO shaving or waxing until the tattoo is healed.

  • Do not apply alcohol, Vaseline, numbing agents, A&D ointment, or other ointments to your healing tattoo. I DO NOT recommend using Aquaphor.

Proper care of your tattoo is your responsibility, and the instructions I give are to help you do that! Please do not listen to friends or so-called tattoo experts.

I am available and happy to answer any aftercare questions after you have left the shop and are on your own. Feel free to text my shop line or DM me on Instagram for a speedy response for aftercare questions.

After Your Tattoo is Healed

Apply sunscreen to your tattoo(s) any time you are exposing it to the sun. UV rays will eventually break down ink in the skin over the years and sunscreen will help keep your tattoo looking nice and vibrant!