After your tattoo is complete, I will bandage you with second skin or a dri-loc pad.
Bandage process:
Second skin/dermshield
leave on for 1-3 days.
you can shower with your bandage on.
keep tattoo out of direct sun while bandage is on, and avoid sweating/working out.
remove in the shower under warm water, peeling it slowly & gently away from your skin. lathering the bandage with soap can help loosen the adhesive. you can wait an extra day if it’s feeling especially tough/painful to remove.
if sweat pools under your bandage, remove it (it’s ok if it comes off early!).
if an edge is compromised/there is a pathway into the bandage to the tattooed area, remove it.
Dri-loc
After removing your bandage, wash your new tattoo with a mild soap (I recommend dial gold antibacterial or dr. bronner’s baby soap) and allow to air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of ointment (I recommend hustle butter & have packets you can take with you).
Repeat these cleaning steps 1-2 times a day until your tattoo feels settled into your skin (usually 3-4 weeks).
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.
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 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. Email me to schedule a touch-up!