Aftercare

For aftercare, I recommend Recovery Derm Shield to protect your new tattoo.

Derm Shield offers maximum breathability as well as flexibility, providing optimal conditions for flawless, low maintenance, gentle healing. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, animal hair, abrasion, and more.

Derm Shield is waterproof, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities. Preserving tattoo vibrancy, our Derm Shield allows your skin to breathe and heal the right way.

It's also latex-free, and a transparent matte film adhesive bandage, so you can still show off your new tattoo!

Remove the bandage by pulling it slowly from the edge, back over itself until completely removed.

Do not try to rip the bandage off too fast - as this can cause added friction and irritation. Some clients prefer removing the bandage under running water.

In the event a client is affected heavily by the adhesive in the bandage, typically the first 24 hours is fine with the bandage, as the plasma helps separate contact with the skin.

As an alternative to replacing the bandage, I recommend using Hustle Butter tattoo balm.

Without the tattoo being covered, it is more susceptible to scabbing, and it is really important to thoroughly wash your tattoo twice a day, morning and night, and then use a small amount of Hustle Butter.

Make sure to use a clean finger, or Q-tip to get the Hustle Butter out of the container, to ensure it does not get contaminated by touching the tattoo and then back into the container. As an additional alternative, coconut oil can be used in place of Hustle Butter as well.

I will always cover tattoos when you leave the studio - as well as give you the additional pieces needed to apply the bandage a second time. The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for 24 hours - It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.

Once the original bandage is removed:

Using clean hands, a mild soap, and warm water, wash the tattoo and surrounding area thoroughly.

Ensure to remove any plasma or fluids off that have potentially collected under the bandage.

Rinse well, ensuring there is no soap residue.

Using a clean paper towel, pat the tattoo and surrounding area, and make sure it is completely dry - the bandage will not stick if the area is still wet.

With clean gloves, or clean hands, replace the Recovery bandage by first peeling off paper backing to expose adhesive side, and position the Derm Shield over the tattoo
with the adhesive side facing the skin.

Gently apply using light pressure, starting from the center to the edges and working outward to eliminate air bubbles.

The Derm shield should cover the entire tattooed area, as well as a 1 to 2 inch margin from the edge of the tattoo.

Also make sure there is an overlap of at least one inch when using multiple pieces to cover a tattoo.

Do not stretch the Derm Shield during application.

This second piece should be let on 3-5 days - I would say as long as you can stand it, and as long as the bandage is still sealed with that 1 inch margin

After the 3-5 days, you can remove the bandage. The tattoo will no longer be an open wound, and at that point
you can use whatever lotion or moisturizer that you prefer.

The second bandage should be applied in a timely manner after removing the first bandage

While the bandage is waterproof, it is not recommended to be submerged underwater in a bathtub, swimming pool, etc, but showering is fine

It is recommended that you take is easy on activities that might make an excess of sweat accumulate under the bandage, as irritation and heat rash can happen

A redness in the area, especially around the outline of the bandage is pretty common

No ointment is needed under the bandage

Average heal time is 2 weeks - that is also the recommended wait time until submerging a new tattoo under water