Aftercare Information

After the initial few days of the tattoo healing under your waterproof skin barrier, remove the skin barrier in a clean environment and wash your tattoo with unscented soap. Once the skin barrier has been removed, the tattoo itself must stay clean and moisturized until healing is complete for the best possible results.

Leave wrap on for three days, otherwise a minimum of 24 hours and no longer than four days. This depends on the tattoo and the person. Someone who sweats more underneath the skin barrier/wrap may need to change it sooner, or a particularly larger tattoo may benefit from a full 96 hours. 

If skin irritation occurs/increases rather than gradually subsiding within the first 24 hours (i.e. itchiness, excessive redness or rash unlike standard skin inflammation post-tattoo), remove wrap in a clean environment and carefully wash the area properly. Do not skip the step of washing the skin after it's been exposed to air.

Removing The Wrap and Healing The Tattoo

When removing the protective wrap, it is best approached with care. Do not just pull the wrap like a band-aid to remove it.

Optionally, soften the adhesive by pressing a warm, clean cloth to the area for 30-90 seconds before trying to remove the barrier. Starting at the edges, incrementally stretch the barrier away from the skin, away from the tattoo. The adhesive should slowly release from the skin as you stretch it, not pull or tug at the skin and irritate your tattoo. Continue stretching the barrier until it is fully removed. If adhesive is persistent, repeat the cloth step again.

Before cleaning the tattoo, ensure your hands are clean. Make sure you have enough soap in hand to lather before you touch your tattoo to avoid cross contamination. Work the lather onto the tattoo carefully as well as the surrounding area, then pass clean running water over the area, rinsing all suds and crud away. Avoid fully submerging the area. 

No excessive pressure should be applied when touching the tattoo. Once the area is well rinsed, use a clean, dry paper towel to pat the area dry, then follow up with your designated moisturizer.

Keeping your tattoo hydrated is super important. Avoid over applying your moisturizer, do healthy thin layers over your tattoo for best results. You do not want to suffocate the skin. Always apply moisturizer with clean hands. It is key to moisturize your fresh tattoo 3x daily on average until two weeks healed, then as needed.

Parting Recommendations

I strongly recommend using a mild, unscented foam or bar soap. My go to is Dove Unscented for Sensitive Skin, it doesn’t dry the tattoo out so much. Some prefer mild baby soaps.

Hustle Butter is my favourite moisturizer to use to heal tattoos. Lubriderm Unscented is also great, Eucerin’s Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Webber Vitamin E Ointment are excellent so long as they are applied thinly. Avoid fragranced products.

I strongly recommend wearing breathable, loose clothing that protects the tattooed area. Avoid activities that risk totally submerging your tattoo in water for at least 2 weeks. Allowing more time for the skin to heal before participating in activities such as swimming will yield the best results.

Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight for best results (once healed, SPF is your tattoos best buddy). If exposure is unavoidable, minimize prolonged sunlight exposure as much as possible. DO NOT apply sunscreen to your fresh tattoo.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns, I am more than happy to guide you through it. Thank you for your trust. Happy healing! - Shy