Tattoo aftercare

Always wash your hands before touching your bandage, tattoo or applying ointment.

1. Your bandage

A) Transparent dressings: leave on for 5 days unless the bandage leaks any body fluid, rolls up to expose the tattoo or fills with shower water. When you remove the dressing it is easiest to take off in the shower. Lightly rub the edges of the film as this will cause it to roll. Just peel the bandage from one end towards the other end of the bandage. Do this as close to your skin as possible, as this will prevent any damage to the newly forming skin tissue. DO NOT pull directly away from skin.

B) Non-adhesive bandage: leave the bandage on at least until next morning and up to 24 hours from the time your tattoo was finished. When you remove the bandage it should come off easily; if not, simply soak the bandage in the shower so it comes off nicely. DO NOT open up the bandage at any time during this period to ensure no dirt gets trapped underneath (as this can irritate your tattoo or worse). After you take off the bandage do not apply another bandage. Gently wash tattoo and pat dry.

2. Washing & Polysporin

Gently wash the tattoo with a mild, unscented soap. Make sure to use your hands as opposed to a facecloth. Air dry or pat it dry with a clean towel and DO NOT rub with towel.

You will need GREEN labelled Polysporin. Apply a thin layer of Polysporin, just enough to get a glare, and rub it in gently with your finger. If there is still a shine, wipe off the excess with a clean palm. Repeat washing steps twice a day: wash your hands first, then apply Polysporin. Apply Polysporin as needed.

3. Healing

Your tattoo may scab over, itch and peel during the week to two weeks healing process. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR NEW TATTOO! Expect up to a full month before the new tattoo completely heals.

4. In the shower

Your first 14 days in the shower, do not use scented soap or body wash on the tattooed area; you do not want to irritate it. Again, when you are getting out of the shower air dry or pat dry. DO NOT rub with towel.

5. Clothing

For the first month or so you will want to wear loose clothing over the tattoo that is not going to rub a lot. For the first 3 to 7 days your tattoo may leak. You may want to wear something dark in colour to prevent an imprint of your tattoo that may not wash out.

6. Legs, ankles & waistlines

If your tattoo is on your ankle or leg, refrain from wearing boots, nylons or socks over the tattoo for 4 weeks. You can shave your legs, just not over the tattooed area for 4 weeks. If your tattoo becomes raised (which is normal for this area) refrain from shaving until it has become flush with the surrounding skin. Use extreme care when you begin to shave this area again.

Keep all belt lines, bra straps, underwear elastics, etc. off the tattoo for 4 weeks. If you do not, it will damage your tattoo.

7. Dirty work environments

If you work in an environment where dirt can get under your clothing you may bandage your tattoo for that period. Make sure to apply the bandage loosely and apply a thin layer of Polysporin over the cleaned area. Be sure to use non-stick gauze. This step is not needed if you had the transparent dressing.

8. No swimming for 4 weeks

This includes hot tubs or baths.

9. No sun for 4 weeks

This includes tanning beds. Any time after the 4 week period, apply SPF 45 or higher to your tattoo any time it is exposed to the sun.