Tattoo Aftercare

“Dry” Heal:

This is the type of heal you may be accustomed to already, and will require you to purchase Unscented, Antibacterial soap, and Aquaphor (we recommend GOLD Dial Soap).

*Do not use a bar of soap or a tub of Aquaphor (unless you plan to use gloves or a tongue depressor) as these can both turn into active bacterial environments and cause infection. We recommend a pump soap and squeeze tube of Aquaphor.

After your session, we will wrap you in cellophane to contain the seepage as well as protect the fresh piece while you make your way home. Do NOT leave the cellophane on longer than 1 hour, and do not apply it again. This can turn into an active bacterial environment if left on too long. 

We recommend icing the piece over the cellophane, this will lower inflammation and kickstart the healing process. If possible, apply ice for about 5 minutes, break, and then ice again for 4 segments. 

After the removal of cellophane and icing process, your main focus is to clean and prevent plasma buildup, which is the clear tacky liquid that will seep from your piece. Plasma, if left to dry, will form scabs, which impede a timely healing process and can cause the ink to fall out. 

1. Wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap twice a day- in the morning and at night. Before touching the piece at any time, make sure your hands are thoroughly washed, or wear gloves. With the pad of your fingers, gently but firmly rub dial soap over the piece, paying special attention to any plasma buildup.*

2. After you wash, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor. You want the piece to be adequately moisturized, but make sure it’s still breathable.  

3. Do not scratch, rub, or do anything abrasive to your tattoo. Continue doing these steps until the healing process is complete!

*Another option for quick and antibacterial cleanup is to spray Bactene over any problem areas, let soak and soften, and wipe. This can be done during the day in between cleanings if any areas are leaking extra plasma.

Redness, itching, peeling, scabbing, or none of the above may occur. People will vary in the way they heal, no two are alike. 

Tattoo DON'Ts:

* Do not submerge tattoo in any bodies of water: bath, pool, ocean, or hot tub. Showers are fine, although it’s best to avoid running excessively hot water over the piece.

* Do not expose tattoo to sun. Do not tan or use sunscreen until fully healed. 

* Do not allow your tattoo to come into contact with animals. 

* Do not use any kind of designated healing solutions until healed (Neosporin, etc.) 

* Do not exercise or do any physical activity to the tattoo area until healed. 

* Do not do anything abrasive to the tattoo while healing.

* Do not peel skin or scabs.

* Do not wash in hot water, lukewarm water only. 

A more modern option that can potentially require less involvement to heal your tattoo is to purchase a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage. There are several brand options with differing price points. I've attached some of our personal recommendations below. 

This is called a "wet" heal due to the process of sealing and containing the plasma seepage within the bandage. Plasma, the liquid component of our blood, contains a myriad of proteins, hormones, and nutrients that assist in healing, although these helpful components tend to lose efficacy after 24 hours, and once the plasma has dried. Because of this factor, as well as the durability of the adhesive, it is highly advisable to purchase a roll or pack of bandages in order to change them periodically as needed while the piece heals. In our experience, the bandages do not work well for clients unless they have extra to change as needed.

You can either bring your package of bandages to your session so we can help you apply them, or you can wait until the next morning, after most of the initial plasma has released, to apply the bandage.

1. In order to apply the bandage, your skin will need to be thoroughly cleaned with alcohol, in order to remove any oils left on the skin which will prevent a durable seal between skin and adhesive. Be sure to clean not only the tattoo, but also a large bleed space around the piece.

2. Once the skin is dry, you'll carefully measure the area with the bandage, before removing the paper backing. You'll want to leave an appropriate amount of bleed space (at least an inch, if possible) around the edges of your tattoo, as the plasma can begin to spread underneath, as well as to prevent the edges of the bandage from losing integrity and revealing the piece beneath. *Be very mindful about the movement of the area. In high movement areas, like the elbows, you'll want to either leave a lot of extra bleed space, or place separate bandages in order to assist movement. 

Cut the bandages as needed, remove the paper backing, and apply beginning at one side with pressure, careful to smooth any air bubbles or wrinkling, as you apply the remainder of the bandage. Remove the final plastic backing. If possible, have someone help you apply the bandage to get the best fit.

3. If you apply the bandage immediately after your session, be fully prepared for a large amount of plasma and ink buildup underneath your bandage over the next 24-48 hours. It will look shocking and ugly. Do not worry, this is completely normal, and your tattoo is not ruined! In this case, you may desire to remove and reapply your bandage in order to keep it clean and fresh. 

We generally recommend changing your first bandage within 2-3 days, and then applying a second bandage to last until day 5 or 6, depending on the durability of your bandage. As the week progresses, you can expect the plasma to begin to dry underneath the bandage. This is also completely normal.

The bandage must be left on for a minimum of 5 days, but can be left on longer if your skin is still healing underneath.  We do not recommend complete reapplication once the tattoo begins to dry, until after the 5 day period has passed, unless absolutely necessary. You do not want to risk peeling off any healing skin before it is ready.

4. Once removed, the skin should be mostly healed. (Keep in mind that the skin can take up to a year to heal completely). If there are any areas that are still open and at risk of bacteria, either reapply a bandage to that area alone, or refer to our "dry" heal process. 

Here are the brands we recommend:

* Saniderm 

* Second Skin

* Tegaderm

* Healex Vazzin (Amazon.com)

Not only have we assisted many collectors with this process, but we have also healed our own tattoos using this method, so we can confidently direct you if you need extra assistance!