SECOND SKIN

When leaving the studio, I will wrap your new tattoo up using an adhesive bandage (typically called “second skin”).

Leave the adhesive bandage on for up to 5 days.

• Pooling of ink and plasma within the bandage is normal.

• If the bandage leaks, rips, or peels up and the tattoo is exposed, remove the entire bandage immediately and continue tattoo aftercare without it.

  • If this happens before 4 days, refer to the plastic wrap guide for aftercare.

Remove the bandage:

• Always wash your hands before handling your new tattoo.

• Some people find running lukewarm water over the bandage can help loosen the adhesive.

Clean the tattoo.

• Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and an antibacterial or mild soap. Rinse well.

• Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

• Let it air dry for ~10 minutes.

Moisturize the tattoo.

• Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to your tattoo and gently rub in well. Pat off any excess with a clean paper towel.

• Do not over moisturize. You only need enough moisturizer for the skin to fully absorb it and prevent scabbing.

Repeat steps 3 + 4.

• Over the next week or so, keep your tattoo clean and moisturized as needed. Twice daily is plenty, unless your tattoo gets dirty, sweaty, etc.

PLASTIC WRAP

If you are allergic to adhesive bandages or “second skin”, or if the placement of your tattoo is not conducive to using an adhesive wrap, I will bandage your new tattoo with A&D ointment and plastic wrap.

Leave the plastic wrap on for up to 3 hours.

• Your new tattoo will weep ink, blood, and plasma immediately after your tattoo.

Remove the plastic wrap and clean the tattoo:

• Always wash your hands before handling your new tattoo.

• Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and an antibacterial or mild soap. Rinse thoroughly.

• Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

• Let it air dry for ~10 minutes.

Moisturize the tattoo.

• For days 1-3, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor and gently rub in well. Pat off any excess with a clean paper towel. Do not over moisturize. You only need enough moisturizer for the skin to fully absorb it and prevent scabbing.

• For days 4-14, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to your tattoo and gently rub in well as needed.

Repeat steps 3 + 4.

• Over the next 2 weeks, keep your tattoo clean and moisturized as needed. Twice daily is plenty, unless your tattoo gets dirty, sweaty, etc.