Before Your Tattoo
Before you come in to get your new tattoo remember to eat a decent meal. Also, coming in drunk or hungover can really effect the healing process, not to mention the entire experience, so we don't recommend it. Make sure you feel good and you are hydrated. Remember to dress in a way that will make it easiest to access the placement you are getting tattooed. If you are doing your back a zip up hoodie is always a good idea. If you have questions before getting tattooed we are always here to help. Reach out to us, don't listen to your friends who think they know everything about tattoos, trust the professionals!
SUGGESTED AFTERCARE FOR TATTOOS WITH DERM-SHIELD
DERM-SHEILD
This bandage is made to stay on your new tattoo for 2-3 days.
The bandage will have fluid build up and will look blurry, this is completely normal!
It is water RESISTANT but not waterproof. Showers are totally fine but baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes or anything submerging your new tattoo is not recommended for the first 2 weeks.
After you shower check to be sure the bandage is still fully covering the tattooed area.
If the bandage starts to leak or starts falling off early go ahead and remove the wrap and start the next steps of washing and moisturizing your tattoo.
REMOVING THE BANDAGE
It’s best to remove the derm-shield in a nice hot shower. Let the water run over the wrap to loosen it up.
Gently begin to peel the wrap off. Don’t rip it off abruptly, you can pull on it like a command strip to loosen its hold and remove it easier.
WASHING YOUR NEW TATTOO
Give your new tattoo a good wash with your clean hands, don’t use anything harsh like wash cloths or loofas!
We recommend antibacterial or antimicrobial soaps to use on a fresh tattoo are dial gold, provon or soft soap. do not use soaps with scents or too many additives.
When you are showering its best to save your tattoo care for last to be sure all the residue from any other product you use will be gone.
Once its all clean you can pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, its not recommended to use a regular towel to dry your tattoo. You can also let it air dry also.
Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks
MOISTURIZE!!!
After your tattoo is washed and completely dry it’s time to moisturize.
You can use an ointment like Aquaphor or triple antibiotic ointment to moisturize your tattoo the first several days.
Make sure to only use a small amount and rub it all the way in! If your tattoo looks shiny or gooey after you apply ointment you need to use less or rub it in more.
After the first few days or even from the beginning you can use unscented lotions such as Lubriderm or any other brand that is non scented and as plain as possible.
If your tattoo stings after moisturizing or starts to look red you may want to try a different product.
You can moisturize throughout the day when your tattoo feels dry, just be sure it is not shiny or gooey looking at all.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS
Your tattoo may start peeling like a sunburn, this is completely normal.
Make sure not to pick at your tattoo or pull the skin off, it goes deeper than you think. 😉
Sometimes scabs can form, DON’T PICK AT THEM! Again, they go deeper than you can see, and it can affect the tattoos appearance.
The loose skin will wash off when you clean your tattoo just don’t scrub too hard!
Your tattoo will also start to itch, refrain from scratching it as much as you can. (sometimes I slap mine if its super itchy, just not too hard)
Your tattoo can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for most individuals. Of course, everyone is different and placement can play a role in healing time.
If your tattoo is on your lower extremities we do recommend elevating it as much as possible in the first few days.
Still Have Questions?
We are always here to help so feel free to give us a call with any questions or concerns you might have!
(682)-374-1556