Tattoo Aftercare

What To Expect with Tegaderm

Once we finish your tattoo, I will be cleansing it with soap and water immediately after. Then I clean the surrounding area with alcohol to dry the skin as much as possible and help prevent the bandage from lifting. Your actual tattoo will not be touched by alcohol.

After a few minutes once it has dried, I will be applying a bandage and the brand I’m currently using is called Recovery Derm Shield. This bandage is latex free, matte, and transparent. Using this bandage allows for a protective barrier that keeps irritants and bacteria out. You will be leaving it on for 3-5 days as instructed. You may not exercise or do any activity that will cause you to sweat as you will be allowing those toxins released by sweat to sit and marinate on your tattoo trapped by the bandage. You may shower regularly as this bandage is waterproof.

When it is time to take your bandage off, you will do so in the shower. Allow warm water to help lubricate and loosen the adhesive on the bandage. You want to start from top to bottom, lift off an edge and slowly roll it down or gently pull down the bandage. Do not lift up and pull outwards. Take your time with this step.

Once your bandage is off you will then properly clean your tattoo with a tattoo specific cleanser or a fragrance free soap and warm water. Allow it to completely air dry for 10-15 minutes before applying your desired ointment or lotion. I recommend using a tattoo specific ointment (you can find recommendations in my FAQ page) for the first 3-4 days before switching to a fragrance free lotion. When applying the ointment you want just enough to lightly cover your tattoo. This allows it to breathe without clogging your pores and causing ingrown hairs. You will repeat these steps 2-3x a day. Once you begin using lotion you can apply as needed. Keeping your tattoo moisturized especially during the cold months will help with it’s longevity.

I do not typically tattoo heavy saturations, so you will most likely not see an ‘ink sac’ develop and therefore need to change the bandage. It is helpful however to always have extra at home just in case. In the summer months with natural heat and sweating sometimes the bandage falls off or becomes compromised and it’s best to take it off and switch it for a new one.

What to Expect without Tegaderm

If we are tattooing an area like the knee, elbows, shoulder, hand, fingers, etc, we will not be applying the bandage and instead going the traditional route of using clear cling wrap. With this method you will leave on the wrap for about an hour. Once taking it off you will follow the same instructions of cleansing it and applying ointment/lotion. The main difference here is plastic wrap is not left on the tattoo for days like Tegaderm is.

Things to Remember

Do not pick at any scabs or flakes, do not scratch your tattoo, when showering do not scrub your tattoo. Be cautious of not rubbing your tattoo dry with towels. For drying or itchiness always pat. Do not expose your new tattoo to sun exposure. Do not submerge your tattoo in water. Do not use self tanners or tan in general during the healing process. You can not use sunscreen on a new tattoo. Try your best to not sleep on top of your new tattoo, allow it to breathe as much as possible. Wearing scratchy clothing items like lace can affect your tattoo while it’s healing. Do not use any products not approved by your artist. Some people get reactions on their tattoo from the fragrance in fabric softener and detergent. If you think you have any concerns always ask for advice!

It takes about a month for your tattoo to fully heal. Your tattoo may look dry and ‘scaley’ for the next month or two so remember to moisturize!

For any questions or further information feel free to contact me via email : jesijamesinks@yahoo.com