Leave the wrap on for 4-7 days. If removed during that time frame, begin the conventional method with cleaning, and apply Aquaphor If the bandage is left on for the full 7 days, simply remove it, keep the tattoo clean, and use theAquaphor as needed whenever the tattoo dries out fully. 

 

The tattoo was cleaned properly before bandaging, so you don't need to clean it while the bandage is on.Aquaphor allows the tattoo to heal, but it is also a moisture barrier; as such, it is water resistant, but that also means that any excess ink, blood or plasma that seeps out of a new tattoo will be trapped inside.

If your bandage becomes torn, is leaking excessively, etc. please contact us at the studio so we can go over how to proceed - if you can't reach us in a timely manner for whatever reason, remove wrap and use the conventional healing method.

 

Do your best not to sweat excessively - work is fine, but avoid the gym while healing for the first SEVEN days. Tattoo in water for a prolonged period of time through a bath or swimming IS NOT GOOD FOR HEALING

 

CONVENTIONAL HEALING

 

Remove the bandage after 2 hours, but no more than 12. Don’t remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse it well, cleaning off any plasma or slimy buildup. Gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel (never re-use a towel as it will hold bacteria) then allow it to air-dry for 15 minutes before applying ointment.

Apply Aquaphor massaging a very small amount into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough ointment to make the tattoo slightly shiny, and blot off any excess.

 

For the first few days treat your tattoo like the open wound it is. Clean it 2-3 times daily, or more often if the area gets sweaty or dirty, and then apply ointment as needed. Ensure that extra moisture doesn't get trapped under the ointment, by blotting and air-drying after each washing. Only apply Aquaphorfor as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel, usually 3-4 days. When the peeling begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. At this point simply keep the tattoo clean, and continue using Aquaphor Always let the tattoo dry out completely before applying more salve.

 

The healing tattoo should never stay submerged in water.  Therefore, limit yourself to only short showers until the tattoo has finished peeling. It’s also important that a fresh tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environments. All normal activities involving water or sun exposure can usually be resumed after 10-14 days, when the tattooed skin feels normal.

NEVER pick at the cracked and flaking skin. The area will become dry and itchy.

 

Any time your tattoo is exposed to the sun after its done healing you should use a minimum of SPF 45 sunblock.

 

**In any case, your safety is our first concern. If anything abnormal occurs, please consult