Tattoo Aftercare

How well your tattoo holds up depends on the care and treatment your tattoo receives within the first few days. Make sure your hands have been washed thoroughly before caring for your new tattoo.

  1. If using DermShield-

    • Leave the aftercare wrap on your new tattoo for 5-7 days. 

    • Within the first 1-3 days you’ll see your tattoo expelling fluid. This fluid consists of blood, collagen, excess ink, and plasma. This is normal. If your tattoo expels a LARGE amount of fluid (enough to push around/is affected by gravity) talk to your artist and/or come in to have your wrap replaced within the first or second day after getting your new tattoo. 

    • After 4-7 days, the fluid will have dried up, becoming a paste or a dry crust. 

    • On the last day of having your wrap on, remove wrap in the shower/under running water to help remove the adhesive. 

      • Think of it like a command strip, not a BandAid. Stretch it out, don’t rip it off. 

    • Wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap, following with unscented ointment. Keep the cleaning routine going for 2 weeks, or until the tattoo appears fully healed. This means no scabs, shiny or dry areas. 

      • Soap recommendation: Dial “Gold” Antibacterial Soap

      • Ointment: Aquaphor, A&D Multipurpose Ointment (Thick, unscented)

    • No swimming pools, lakes, saunas, hot tubs, or lakes within the first two weeks at least. 

  2. If avoiding aftercare wrap-

    • Be sure to be hyper diligent your first week of aftercare. Whenever you notice the tattoo leaking significant fluid, or becoming itchy, be sure to wash and apply ointment to the tattoo. The most significant relief you can get from itching & flaking will be to keep moisturized with that ointment. Don’t scratch your tattoo if itchy, patting can help. 

    • See washing instructions above. 

    • Avoid direct sunlight, dirty conditions, and submerging the tattoo for 3-4 weeks. 

  3. Long term-

    • After the initial healing process (2-4 weeks) you can switch to an unscented lotion in place of the ointment. 

    • Moisturized skin is healthy skin. Moisturizing your tattoo will promote healthy healing, and help your tattoos pop for longer. AFTER HEALING IS DONE make sunscreen your best friend. Sun is the #1 killer for tattoos and their longevity.