Caring For Your Tattoo
After we finish our session I’ll ask you to wash the tattoo with soap and water in the bathroom, then pat it dry with paper towels along with the surrounding area.
I’ll then wipe the area around the tattoo with isopropyl alcohol to prepare the skin, afterwards I will apply the bandage.
The bandage I use is called Recovery Derm Shield, here is a description from their website:
“Effortlessly protect your new tattoos with Recovery Derm Shield, a latex-free transparent matte film adhesive bandage. Derm Shield offers maximum breathability and flexibility, providing optimal conditions for flawless, gentle healing and skin renewal. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm Shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities with a peace of mind and body. Preserving tattoo vibrancy, our Derm Shield allows your skin to breathe and heal the right way.”
Once the bandage is on and you go back to your daily life it’s up to you to follow the guidelines I give to you (listed below) and care for your tattoo properly.
I recommend leaving the bandage on for a total of 5-6 days.
The bandage is waterproof so showers are totally fine, just please avoid moderate to heavy sweat when possible, sun exposure, and submerging in water.
Wearing loose fitting and breathable clothing is recommended during the healing process.
When you’re ready to remove the bandage peel up a corner and run it under warm water while slowly rolling the bandage off, trying not to forcefully pull it off.
Once it is removed gently wash your tattoo with mild fragrance-free soap and water.
Let the skin air dry until moisture is no longer present, then apply a small amount of balm (my recommendation below) throughout the day as needed.
My favorite aftercare balm is Hustle Butter, a description from their website:
“Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm was developed as a petroleum-free lubricant, made with naturally-derived and vegan ingredients, to be used during sessions as a glide and throughout the healing process to nourish the fresh piece. Our best-in-class Tattoo Balm is made with skin-loving and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil and mango seed butter, as well as green tea extract and rosemary leaf extract, known to help soothe skin.”
And that’s it! Your tattoo should be healed up in about 1-2 weeks and back to a normal matte skin texture by around 6 weeks, enjoy it and let me know if you need any touch-ups after one month.
Some things to note:
*Redness along the edges of the bandage are normal, especially in areas that move and stretch a lot.
*Red bumps underneath the bandage are typically signs of excessive sweat or prolonged sun exposure from what I’ve seen. If this happens my opinion is to follow the instructions above starting with removing the bandage.