If using Second Skin bandage: Leave bandage on for 2-5 days, unless you are experiencing a reaction to the bandage, at which point remove immediately. Remove bandage under warm water.

If using plastic (Saran) wrap: Leave wrap on for no more than 24 hours.

Watch for negative reactions: A reaction to your bandage can look like redness swelling and extreme cases blistering around the edges of the bandage itself, not necessarily around the tattoo. You may also experience an allergic reaction to the pigments used in your tattoo. This can present itself as an infection, pimples, weeping, prolonged redness, and pain. If you experience any negative reaction, contact your artist or physician with any concerts.

Wash tattoo: Once bandage is removed wash your tattoo gently, no less than twice a day, with unscented, anti-bacterial, liquid soap, pat dry with a clean towel or allow to air dry. Only touch your fresh tattoo with clean hands.

Moisturize: Using a small thin layer of unscented lotion or aftercare salve provided to you by your artist, moisturize your tattoo any time your tattoo feels tight, dry or itchy (roughly 3-9 times a day). Do not over moisturize as you can create breakouts on your skin. Do no allow tattoo to dry out as you can create painful cracking and flaking of the skin. Do not use straight vitamin E, petroleum jelly, aloe vera, glitter, shimmers, fragrances and SPF on your tattoo during healing.

Do not itch or scratch: If your tattoo feels itchy it is best to moisturize, slap or pat your tattoo.

Clothing and accessories: Avoid tight, abrasive and non-breathable clothing. Avoid wearing jewellery, watches, and undergarments such as bras, lace or tight underwear over your tattoo.

Do not soak your tattoo: You can shower as normal, as early as the same day of receiving your tattoo. While your tattoo is healing (2-3 weeks) avoid swimming (pools, lakes rivers etc), baths, hot tubs, etc.

Do not partake in activities causing heavy sweating: Sweat can carry bacteria into your tattoo; avoid vigorous exercise, tanning beds, sunbathing, hiking, etc.

Protect from the sun: While your tattoo is healing you want to stay out of direct sunlight, but even when your tattoo is fully healed the UV rays from the sun can cause premature fading of a tattoo. To avoid this, once your tattoo is fully healed, be sure to use SPF to protect your tattoos.

Special care in workplace environments: If you work in a dirty environment (wood or steel mills, outdoors, childcare, healthcare, etc) ask your artist for more specified aftercare.

If you have any questions or concerns about the aftercare and healing of your tattoo, please contact us.

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