How to Care for Your New Tattoo

Bandage type: plastic wrap vs. dermal patch

Depending on your tattoo artist, they'll cover your tattoo with one of these two bandages. Aftercare differs for each:

Plastic wrap (cling film or transparent plastic)

This is the traditional cover. It's only meant to protect the tattoo on your way home.

Remove it within 1 to 3 hours (or whenever your tattoo artist tells you to).
Wash the tattoo right after removing it.
Don't wrap it in plastic again. Plastic wrap traps moisture and bacteria and doesn't let your skin breathe.

Dermal patch (Saniderm, Dermalize, or Suprasorb)

This is a transparent, breathable medical-grade adhesive film. It lets your skin breathe while protecting it from the outside.

Keep it on for 3 to 5 days (your artist will tell you the exact time).
It's normal for ink, blood, and fluid to build up underneath. It looks bad but it's part of the process.
If the patch peels off on its own, fills up with too much fluid, or water gets in, remove it, wash the tattoo, and continue with normal aftercare.
To remove it, do it in the shower with warm water. Pull slowly in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritating the skin.
Once removed, don't apply another patch. Continue with the washing and moisturizing routine.

The first hours (if you used plastic wrap)

Once you remove the plastic wrap:

Wash the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free mild soap.
Use your fingertips only, never sponges or washcloths.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any leftover ink, blood, or ointment.
Pat dry gently with a clean paper towel. Don't rub.

First 3 days (or after removing the dermal patch)

Your skin is extra sensitive during this stage. It's normal for the area to feel warm or slightly swollen.

Wash the tattoo 2 to 3 times a day with fragrance-free mild soap.
After each wash, apply a very thin layer of healing ointment (like Aquaphor, Bepanthen, or whatever your artist recommends).
Don't use too much product. Your skin needs to breathe.
Don't cover the tattoo with plastic wrap or bandages.

Days 4 through 14

The skin will start peeling and may feel itchy. This is a normal part of the process.

Switch from ointment to a fragrance-free moisturizer. Apply it 2 to 3 times a day.
Don't scratch or pick at the scabs. Letting them fall off on their own is key to keeping the color intact.
Keep washing with mild soap before applying moisturizer.
Wear loose clothing over the tattooed area to avoid friction.

What to avoid during healing

The full process takes about 2 to 4 weeks. During that time:

Don't go in pools, the ocean, hot tubs, or bathtubs. Prolonged moisture and bacteria can damage the tattoo. Showers are fine.
Don't expose the tattoo to the sun. UV rays break down the ink and can irritate the skin while it heals.
Skip the gym for the first few days. Excessive sweat and contact with equipment can cause problems.
Don't apply alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide. These products dry out and irritate tattooed skin.
Don't let other people touch your tattoo. Your clean hands are the only ones that should make contact.

Sun protection (for life)

Once your tattoo has fully healed:

Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every time you're going to be in the sun.
The sun is a tattoo's worst enemy. Over time, UV rays cause colors to fade and lines to lose definition.
This goes for both new and old tattoos.

Warning signs

It's normal to have some redness, mild swelling, and a bit of clear fluid (lymph) during the first few days. But if you notice any of the following, see your tattoo artist or a doctor:

Redness that spreads or gets worse.
Swelling that doesn't go down after 3 days.
Pus with a greenish-yellow color or bad smell.
Fever or red lines extending from the tattoo toward the body.

Every skin is different and healing times can vary. Always follow your tattoo artist's instructions. If you have any questions about how your tattoo is healing, message us and we'll help you out.