Consider this when healing a tattoo- your body will heal a fresh wound (a tattoo) and it is your responsibility to give it ideal conditions to heal without complication. Every body heals differently and there is no “one size fits all” way to heal a tattoo; find what works best for you!

My typical heal-out regiment:

For color tattoos or black and grey tattoos with significant areas of black, I will usually wrap you up with a layer of aftercare, a Dri-Loc pad and cohesive bandage. Leave this on overnight or for ~8 hours if you can manage, to absorb the majority of the ooze (blood, ink, plasma). In the morning, I’ll have you wash the tattoo and apply the provided piece of Derm Shield. See instructions below.

For small or black and grey tattoos, I will likely apply the Derm Shield at the end of the appointment. See instructions below on how to remove.

If you are allergic/reactive to adhesive or your body’s plasma, see instructions to the left.

Things to avoid while healing-

• Direct sun

• Soaking in pools, the beach, hot tubs, baths

• Picking/peeling off skin and scabs

I do not recommend the use of Petroleum-based moisturizers like A & D or Aquaphor. I do recommend unscented lotions like Aveeno (my personal favorite shown below), Lubriderm, or Cera-Ve.

How to apply adhesive bandage-

With clean hands, take off the Dri-Loc bandage I put on you and thoroughly wash your tattoo with antibacterial, unscented soap (Dial Gold is preferred) and warm water. Use gentle, circular motions. Let the tattoo air dry completely. Dampen a paper towel with rubbing alcohol and swipe the area around  your tattoo and let it evaporate off and dry completely. With clean hands, remove the paper side of the bandage, stick the bandage down by touching the middle to the bandage to the middle of the tattoo and then smooth down the sides. To remove the top layer, press down and pull apart at the arrows and peel back.

Adhesive bandage info & removal-

Recovery Derm Shield is a medical-grade adhesive bandage that protects your tattoo and uses your body’s natural healing process to expedite the tattoo’s heal out. It prevents external variables (pet dander, dirt, germs, clothing) from harming your tattoo. It is semi- permeable to allow for light perspiration and is water-resistant so that you can shower as usual. It also collects the fluids from a fresh tattoo and uses the white blood cells to heal your tattoo and naturally keep it moisturized with minimal outer variables to complicate the healing process.

Leave the adhesive bandage on for 5-7 days, if possible. Take it off early if it rips, if it peels back and the tattoo is exposed, if shower water gets inside the bandage, or if you are having an allergic reaction to the adhesive (hives, redness or bumps around the bandage, etc). 

When it is time to take it off, I recommend doing it as your last step in the shower. With washed hands, gently roll an edge up and pull the bandage like a Command Strip (along the skin, away from the tattoo). Once it is off, gently wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap (I recommend Dial Gold). Gently lather up the tattoo using your fingertips. Wash away any excess “goo,” but do not use force if some remains on the tattoo (could be some remaining healing skin that isn’t ready to flake off). Let your tattoo air dry- do not use your body towel to dry your tattoo. Depending on how long you’ve left it on and the rate your body heals tattoos, you may not need to wash/lotion (or use aftercare ointment on) your tattoo. Wash your tattoo if it seems like it still is wounded. Lotion your tattoo if it feels dry. Do not lotion a weeping tattoo.

Healing without an adhesive bandage-

Leave the bandage I put on you on either over night or up to 8 hours. With clean hands, take off the bandage. Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water. Gently lather up the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap (I recommend Dial Gold) using your fingertips. Once washed, rinse with cool water and let your tattoo air dry- do not use your body towel to dry your tattoo. Do this 2-3 times a day and if the tattoo touches something it shouldn’t (pets, dirt, etc.) Only start using lotion when your tattoo has sealed up and starts to get dry/flaky- do not lotion a weepy tattoo. After all damaged skin flakes off and you are left with closed, waxy skin, you may stop washing your tattoo. Do NOT pick scabs or “help your tattoo along” by rubbing off flaking skin. This may cause ink fallout and/or permanent scarring. For best results, protect your healed tattoo with sunscreen!

Disclaimer- It is the responsibility of the client to heal the tattoo after application and to modify aftercare based on what best suits the individual. I am not responsible for any unforeseen allergies or reactions to products and/or methods listed above. If you are having a serious concern, please contact a healthcare professional immediately.