Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before removing bandage.

If using traditional, single use bandage (ex. clingwrap):

  • Keep the bandage on for at least 2 hours. Only remove in a clean environment (at home.) DO NOT rebandage.

  • Gently wash entire tattooed area with an unscented antibacterial soap and warm water. DO NOT scrub roughly while washing.

  • Pat dry the area with a clean paper towel. DO NOT use bath towels as this will allow unwanted bacteria to access the wound.

If using Second Skin bandage:

  • If using one Second Skin bandage, remove after 3-5 days.

  • If used two Second Skin bandages, remove the first one after 24 hours, then the second for 3-4 days.

  • Removing your bandage will work best under warm, running water. Gently peel from bottom edge and pull downwards, as if removing a Command Strip.

  • Gently wash entire tattooed area with an unscented antibacterial soap and warm water. DO NOT scrub roughly while washing.

  • Pat dry the area with a clean paper towel. DO NOT use bath towels as this will allow unwanted bacteria to access the wound.

  • DO NOT leave to air dry if putting on a second bandage. This can trap unwanted bacteria.

  • After washing your hands once again, peel off the white backing layer of new bandage.

  • Apply the Second Skin to the tattoo, smoothing down the center and then outwards to remove as many air bubbles and wrinkles as possible.

  • Find the orange arrows and peel back the layer with the printed crosses. Remove all of the printed layer, leaving only the thin, transparent layer of Skin Second. Smooth out bandage evenly.

  • If bandage leaks or the seal is broken in any way, remove immediately and follow traditional bandage instructions.

Continue to wash the tattoo 1-2 times a day until healed. After 48 hours, you can lightly apply a non-scented lotion, such as Aveeno, Lubriderm, etc. Use sparingly. Avoid Vaseline, antibiotic ointments, and any petroleum based lotions.

Important:

  • Avoid sun exposure, salt or chlorine pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans and soaking in bath tub until your tattoo is completely healed.

  • In the event mild scabbing or peeling occurs, DO NOT pick at the tattoo. Allow the scabs to fall off naturally.

  • DO NOT at any time during the healing touch your tattoo unless you are cleaning it or applying lotion. Be mindful of clothes.

  • While healing, the colors in your new tattoo may look “hazy” or not as bright as they did when it was first applied. Do not be alarmed, it is a normal course of healing and will clear up in a few weeks.

  • Extreme sun and environmental exposure can and will fade your tattoo; this can be minimized by using a strong sunscreen, at least SPF 25, once your tattoo is healed.

  • If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the shop at 251-516-0817, or stop by.

Healing time for tattooing varies from person to person. The rate of fallout or infection is minimal if the aftercare is followed appropriately. Normal body reactions to tattooing may include: redness, swelling, and minor discomfort at the site. If after 48 hours more severe complications occur (increased redness, swelling or hardness at the site, pus-like drainage, onset of fever and prolonged pain at the site) please contact your physician.