Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Thank you for trusting me with your tattoo! Proper aftercare is essential for the best healing and long-lasting results.

Please follow the instructions below based on the type of bandage you received.

If You Received Second Skin

Leave the bandage on.

● Keep the Second Skin in place for 3–5 days, unless otherwise instructed.

● It is normal for the bandage to fill with ink, blood, and plasma. This is part of the healing process.

● If the bandage develops a leak, peels enough to expose the tattoo, or fills with excessive fluid, remove it immediately and follow the “No Second Skin” instructions below.

Removing the bandage

● Remove it under warm running water. A warm shower is recommended.

● Slowly stretch the adhesive parallel to your skin rather than pulling it straight up.

● Wash the tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap and your fingertips.

After removal

● Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry for a few minutes.

● Apply a very thin layer of A&D Ointment or Aquaphor 2–3 times per day.

● Do not over-apply. The tattoo should never look greasy or heavily coated.

If You Did NOT Receive Second Skin

First bandage

● Leave the initial bandage on for 2–4 hours (unless instructed otherwise).

First wash

● Wash your hands thoroughly.

● Remove the bandage.

● Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap using only your fingertips.

● Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry.

Apply ointment

● Apply a very thin layer of A&D Ointment or Aquaphor.

● Reapply 2–3 times daily, or whenever the tattoo feels dry.

● Less is more. Applying too much ointment can slow healing.

During the Healing Process (For Everyone)

DO:

● Wash your tattoo gently once or twice daily.

● Keep it clean and lightly protected with a thin layer of A&D Ointment or Aquaphor.

● Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing when possible.

● Expect light peeling and flaking around days 4–10.

● Stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene.

DO NOT:

● Scratch, pick, or peel the tattoo.

● Soak it in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean until fully healed (about 2–4 weeks).

● Expose it to direct sunlight or tanning beds during healing.

● Shave over the tattoo until it has completely healed.

● Apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, heavily scented products, or thick layers of ointment.

What’s Normal?

You may experience:

● Mild redness and tenderness for the first 24–48 hours

● Light swelling

● Clear or slightly colored fluid

● Itching during healing

● Peeling similar to a mild sunburn

These are all normal parts of the healing process.

When to Contact Me or a Healthcare Provider

Please reach out if you experience:

● Increasing redness after the first few days

● Excessive swelling or severe pain

● Thick yellow or green discharge

● Fever or chills

● Red streaks spreading away from the tattoo

These could be signs of infection and should be evaluated promptly.