TATTOO AFTERCARE
ADHESIVE TATTOO BANDAGE INSTRUCTIONS
- 24 hours after your appointment, remove the adhesive bandage from the tattoo. Please note that any fluids (ink, plasma, blood etc) collecting under the bandage is normal. If your bandage has begun to leak, change it early. Wash your hands before handling the bandage or touching your tattoo!
- Wash your tattoo under warm running water, using unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat dry with paper towel (avoid using fabric towels, as they can collect bacteria or shed fibres) or allow to air dry.
- Place second piece of bandage on tattoo.
- Keep second piece of bandage on tattoo up to 5-7 days.
- After 5-7 days, remove bandage. Begin to wash the tattoo twice a day with unscented antibacterial liquid soap, and moisturize with unscented lotion. Continue to do this until the tattoo is fully healed (approx 3 weeks).
- If there is any adhesive left on your skin, gently rub with a small amount of baby oil to remove it. Wash any remaining oil off the area immediately.
NOTES
- WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR TATTOO - this one is important!
- DO NOT SOAK YOUR TATTOO - no swimming, saunas, hot tubs etc for three weeks. Showers are okay but do not directly spray tattoos with water.
- NO EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE - try to keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. Once fully healed (3 weeks) apply sunscreen before sun exposure.
- DO NOT SCRATCH/PICK - If itching is unbearable, try lightly tapping the tattoo with clean hands, or applying a light layer of moisturizer.
- AVOID EXERCISE - avoid exercise/excessive sweating, and pulling/tugging on the tattoo as it is healing. If you have been sweating, give the tattoo an extra wash.
- AVOID PETS - try to not let pets touch/lick/scratch the healing tattoo. If a pet or somewhere pets frequent touches the tattoo, give the tattoo an extra wash.
- DO NOT RE-BANDAGE - after second piece of adhesive bandage has been removed, do not cover tattoo with another bandage. Let it breathe!
- DO NOT USE OIL BASED LOTIONS - this includes Vaseline, Polysporin/Neosporin, and coconut oil. If you use oil to remove excess adhesive, wash it off immediately after.
- DO NOT MOISTURISE DAMP TATTOOS - after washing, allow tattoo/scabs to fully air dry before moisturising.
- IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS - talk to a healthcare professional! We are not doctors, and it’s best to be safe.