1. If your tattoo was covered in saran wrap: remove it within 1-2 hours and continue to step 2.

   OR, If your tattoo was covered with Recovery Derm Shield adhesive bandage: leave the bandage on for at least 24hrs or up to 5 days and then remove in the shower/under running water and continue to step 2. How long you should leave the derm shield on depends on how much you weep/bleed during the first few days of healing. If your tattoo is mostly linework or has minimal shading it will not weep/bleed as much so the derm shield can be left on for up to 5 days. However if your tattoo has lots of color/shading it will weep/bleed more causing an “ink sack” to form under the bandage, in this case you should remove the derm sheild after the first 24-48hrs.

2. Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo! Treat your tattoo like an open wound to prevent infection.

3. Wash your tattoo using a mild unscented soap like Dove or Dial hand soap. Lather the soap in your hands and gently massage over the tattoo to wash away all plasma/fluids. Do not scrub or use washcloths/loofas.

4. Allow your skin to air dry or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use cloth towels as they can be too abrasive and carry unwanted bacteria.

   OPTIONAL STEP: If the first derm shield bandage was removed after 24-48hrs you may want to apply a new derm shield bandage. If you are applying a new derm shield bandage I recommend using Recovery Derm Shield, or 3M/Nexcare Tegaderm. DO NOT USE SANIDERM as it uses a harsher adhesive and can cause issues with healing. Your skin must be clean and fully dry to adhere properly. If your tattoo has heavy shading/color, gently wipe with witch hazel after washing to help dry and tighten the skin. Smaller pieces can be overlapped by 1/2-1 inch to cover a larger tattoo. Leave the new bandage on for up to 5 days, then continue to step 5.

5. Apply a very thin layer of tattoo ointment to moisturize your skin. Do not oversaturate the skin with ointment as this can suffocate your skin and cause issues with healing. I recommend using non-petroleum based products like Hustle Butter or Tattoo Lovers Care Salve (available online). But if you are in a pinch, you can use Aquaphor or A&D ointment available at any drug store. Never use neosporin or vaseline on a healing tattoo.

6. Cover your tattoo with clean, loose fitted clothing. Avoid tight/restrictive clothing as this can cause irritation and issues with healing. Also make sure to use clean bedsheets and blankets. Always cover your tattoo if using gym equipment.

7. The first week of healing is the most crucial! Continue to wash your tattoo with soap 1-2 times a day (morning/night) in the same method described above. Moisturize your skin 1x per day (or as needed especially if your skin feels dry) in the same method describer above. Avoid strenuous workouts/sweating excessively in the first week of healing.

• In the first few days of healing weeping/bleeding, sensitivity, warmth, and slight redness are normal, however these symptoms should lessen significantly/go away after the first few days. You should basically see continual

• Your skin may also start to feel itchy and flake/peel like a sunburn, this is normal! You can gently tap/slap your skin, do not scratch or pick at it. Picking at any flaking skin/scabs can remove ink and cause issues with healing.

  8. After 7 days of healing, reduce to washing your tattoo 1 time a day, and continue to moisturize your skin 1x a day using the same ointment/un-scented lotion.

• Your tattoo will be fully healed after 3-4 weeks.

THINGS TO AVOID DURING HEALING

• DO NOT take baths or go swimming (showers are ok)

• DO NOT use hot tubs or saunas

• DO NOT suntan or go to the beach

• DO NOT scratch/pick at tattoo

• DO NOT use old/expired aftercare products

• DO NOT share aftercare products with others

• DO NOT use aftercare products with added fragrance/perfume, this will irritate your skin/disrupt the healing process

• DO NOT allow pets near healing tattoo

• DO NOT use sunscreen until AFTER your tattoo is fully healed in 3-4 weeks

• DO NOT take aftercare advice from friends

Keep an eye out for any signs of infection such as increased pain, heat, redness, or swelling that persists or worsens past the first few days or is accompanied by cracked skin or puss. If you think it is infected, wash your tattoo with an antibacterial soap, stop moisturizing, and contact your doctor.

I know this is a lot of information, if you have any questions or concerns please email me.

Happy healing friends! :)