Suggested Aftercare Guidelines for Tattoos

  • > Tegaderm Bandage
    • Leave your bandage on for up to 3 days. The appearance under the bandage may be unsightly but this is your body taking care of itself. Leave the bandage alone, it is doing its job. If the bandage begins to peel or expose the tattoo, remove immediately and wash the tattoo thoroughly using soap and water. You may wish to peel off the bandage in the shower to help loosen it up. Don’t rip the bandage off, lightly peel it off.
    • When washing your tattoo, pay attention not to use anything abrasive on the tattooed surface. Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and soap with light circular motions and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel when you are finished. The area will still be sensitive so give it a couple of hours to settle in to the skin and dry up.
    • From this point on you will want to use a fragrance free and color free lotion (esp. Nivea, Curel, Eucerin) to keep the tattoo slightly moisturized. Always wash your hands to apply lotion; you do not want to rub dirt or germs into your new tattoo. Do not over moisturize the tattoo. Use lotion once or twice a day unless the tattoo is becoming overly dry, you may then want to use a bit more lotion.
    • Some people choose to keep it simple and do a dry heal in which case you shower once a day and just let your body do the rest. I personally recommend a bit of lotion to avoid torturing yourself.
    • Do not pick or scratch the tattoo. A couple of swift slaps will usually reduce the itch factor.
    • If you have any issues or questions beyond this, call the shop for assistance.
  • > Regular/black Bandage
    • Remove the bandage after 2 to 3 hours. If the bandage sticks to the tattoo jump in the shower and let the water help remove the bandage for you. You will now want to wash the tattoo.
    • When washing your tattoo, pay attention not to use anything abrasive on the tattooed surface. Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and soap with light circular motions and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel when you are finished.
    • The area will still be sensitive so give it a couple of hours to settle in to the skin and dry up.
    • From this point on you will want to use a fragrance free and color free lotion (esp. Nivea, Curel, Eucerin) to keep the tattoo slightly moisturized. Always wash your hands to apply lotion; you do not want to rub dirt or germs into your new tattoo. Do not over moisturize the tattoo. Use lotion once or twice a day unless the tattoo is becoming overly dry, you may then want to use a bit more lotion.
    • Some people choose to keep it simple and do a dry heal in which case you shower once a day and just let your body do the rest. I personally recommend a bit of lotion to avoid torturing yourself.
    • Do not pick or scratch the tattoo. A couple of swift slaps will usually reduce the itch factor.
    • If you have any issues or questions beyond this, call the shop for assistance.

DISCLAIMER:

These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Please consult a physician at any sign of infection or allergic reaction and report any diagnosed infection or allergic reaction to your tattoo artist immediately.

Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions please contact Native Rituals at (708) 687-7633.