Aftercare instructions will depend on the type of bandage used for your tattoo. 


For transparent film bandages:

This is a self adhesive breathable, waterproof membrane that stays on for about 5-7 days. This type of bandage is what I use most often but can only be used if you have never experienced a reaction or sensitivity to other medical adhesives (medical tape or Band-Aids). If these kinds of adhesives tend to cause serious skin reactions like contact dermatitis that take more than 48 hours to clear up, then we will likely use another type of aftercare. 

  • The bandage will be applied after your tattoo has stopped bleeding (usually ten to fifteen minutes).  Over the course of the next 5-7 days you can expect fluids to build up under the bandage, do not poke, cut, or otherwise do anything to compromise the integrity of the bandage. Doing so can result in infection. If fluids leak out past the margins of the bandage for any reason and it has been less than five days, remove it and wash the tattoo with mild soap and warm water. If you were given an extra bandage, reapply that bandage once the skin is dry. If you did not get an extra bandage, perform the aftercare for gauze bandages (below) until the tattoo is fully healed.

  • The bandage is waterproof and safe for the shower, however it’s not a good idea to swim, hot tub, or otherwise soak the tattoo until it is healed. Also avoid physical activity that will result in heavy sweating. Keep the tattoo out of the sun for at least two weeks. 

  • After 5-7 days, remove the bandage by finding one corner and gently rolling the corner between your fingers until it begins to lift and slowly peel the bandage towards yourself so that it lefts up and away. I advise doing this in the shower as there may be fluids and excess ink under the bandage. The tattoo will then need to be thoroughly washed.  Pat your tattoo dry and let it air out for a day. 

  • For the next week or so, you should apply a good moisturizer like Aquaphor on the tattoo to help moisturize the new skin. 

  • If when you remove your bandage, the tattoo is not fully healed (it starts scabbing), gently wash the tattoo twice a day and apply Aquaphor.  Do this everyday until the tattoo is healed.

For gauze bandages: 

This is a sterile gauze bandage secured with medical tape, cohesive stretch wrap, or both. 

  • Leave the bandage on overnight. 

  • Remove the bandage in the morning and wash the tattoo with warm soapy water. Use a mild unscented soap and use only your hands to wash. No scrubbies or washcloths.

  • Pat the tattoo dry.

  • Apply a small amount of Aquaphor to the tattoo and be sure to rub it in all the way. If there is enough to wipe off after it’s rubbed in, you’ve put too much on. Only use enough to leave the skin moisturized, not greasy. 

  • Wash and moisturize the same way twice daily. Morning and night. 

  • Keep the tattoo clean and dry other than washing. Avoid swimming or soaking. Even excess sweating from exercise should be avoided. If you get dirty at work, keep the tattoo covered and clean. But be sure to allow it to breathe. 

  • Avoid excess touching. Don’t scratch or pick at the tattoo. The tattoo is an open wound and can get infected. For this reason, also do not let your friends, kids, or pets touch your tattoo until it’s healed. 

  • Once all of the scabbing has come off, the tattoo is technically healed. However, your skin will still be dry and will need to continue to be moisturized for another week or so. On average, a tattoo takes anywhere from four to ten days to heal and may take another week or two for the skin to settle down. The newly tattooed skin may look shiny and may be slightly raised for some time as the tattoo settles in. 


For either type of bandage:

While infections are extremely rare, as with any open wound they can happen. Watch for redness and tenderness while it’s healing. If the tattoo gets MORE red, MORE tender, or if it begins to feel hot or painful to the touch, go see your doctor as soon as possible. These are signs of infection. Please also contact me as soon as you can. 

Sometimes, especially with transparent film bandages, the skin may be somewhat irritated from having adhesive on it for an extended period of time. If the skin is red or irritated after you remove the bandage, applying a small amount of Aquaphor on the area should calm the skin in a day or two. 

Allergic reactions are also extremely rare, but can happen. There are a number of products used during the tattoo process that can cause allergic reactions. Such as tape or other bandage adhesives, nitrile (in gloves), alcohol, Tea Tree Oil, etc. Also, pigments such as red, yellow, green, and purple have been known to cause reactions in some individuals. Though very rare, reactions to color pigments can be difficult to deal with. If you have any allergies that tend to be serious in nature and you plan on getting color pigment, it might be best to start with a small color patch test. The pigments I use are the safest pigments available on the market. If you have any questions or concerns about color pigments, please feel free to ask.