Aftercare Instructions

Please keep in mind that everyone heals differently! If you still have questions or concerns after following these guidelines, don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist—they’ll have the best insight for your tattoo.

Traditional Bandage (Plastic Wrap / Black Bandage)

  1. Leave your bandage on for at least 3-4 hours, and the longest you should keep it on is overnight (until the next morning).

  2. When you remove the wrap, gently clean your tattoo to remove any plasma, blood or excess ink. A shower with a mild, unscented soap (like a basic drug-store brand) is perfect. You don’t need fancy products—brands like Dove, Aveeno or Lubriderm work well.

  3. Rinse your cleaned tattoo with cool water. Then either pat dry with a clean towel or let it air dry—do not rub, as that can cause irritation.

  4. If your tattoo is leaking mildly (small amounts of fluid) for the first few days, gently blot it with a soft, damp cloth or paper towel.

  5. Avoid applying lotion for the first 2-3 days. Letting the tattoo remain slightly dry helps with early healing.

  6. Keep the tattoo covered with loose, breathable clothing while it heals. Don’t re-bandage it. If you’re going into an environment where the area might get dusty or dirty, you may loosely wrap it with plastic, but remove that as soon as you’re back home and safe from outside contaminants.

  7. After day 3, you may begin using a mild, unscented lotion. Wash your hands first, then apply sparingly (no more than three times a day). Continue washing the tattoo daily in the shower (keep showers to about 5 minutes; avoid heavy steam or soaking). If you’re experiencing swelling, you can apply a clean cloth-covered ice pack—but never freeze or apply ice directly to your skin.

Things to Avoid While Healing

  • Touching the tattoo with your hands—or anyone else’s. This is a major way bacteria get into the healing area. Also avoid leaning on counters, public washrooms, keyboards—anything that could press or rub against your tattoo.

  • Direct sun exposure, soaking (hot tubs, pools, saunas), soaps or lotions with strong fragrances or ingredients, heavy sweating, scratching or picking at the area, tight or irritating clothing, pets or dusty/dirty environments, and exposure to harsh chemicals.

  • Scraping the tattoo area against waistbands, sleeve ends, undergarments, or other restrictive clothing—this can interfere with proper healing.

  • DO NOT PICK at any scabs or peeling skin! Picking may cause irreversible damage to your tattoo.

After Healing

Once your tattoo is healed, keep it bold and bright by moisturizing every day. Even after healing is complete, continue to avoid prolonged sun exposure and always use a good sunscreen (or cover the area) if you’ll be in the sun. Remember: your tattoo is an investment—care for it like you would any piece of art.

Second Skin (Clear Film Dressing / Medical Wrap)

Some artists recommend a “second skin” type product (brands like Tegaderm, Saniderm, etc). If that’s what you’re using:

  1. Leave the initial protective bandage in place overnight. Remove it the next morning and discard it. If the tattoo session was small (simple linework, minimal shading/colour), you may leave the second skin film on for 2–3 days.

  2. After removal, wash the tattoo in the shower with a mild soap and water, using just your fingertips. Avoid direct shower spray directly on the tattoo—gently splash cool water instead. Air dry thoroughly.

  3. Using clean hands, apply a very thin layer of Vaseline or pure coconut oil only on the tattooed area, leaving the surrounding edges clean so the film can stick properly. (For larger sessions the tattoo might generate enough fluid on its own, so additional products may not be needed.)

  4. Cut the second skin film to size if needed, avoid air pockets and creases, press from centre outward. If any edges lift or fluid builds excessively underneath, you may need to remove the film and switch to the traditional healing method.

  5. When you remove the film (after 2-3 days or sooner if needed), you may ease it off under a shower or by applying coconut oil around the edges. Then wash the tattoo and air dry. Expect some slight peeling or flaking—but the actual healing occurs beneath.

  6. After healing: same as above—moisturize daily, avoid sun/tanning, apply sunscreen if exposed.