Congratulations on your new tattoo!

Now let’s make sure you have a smooth heal. Aftercare and healing processes should last about 2 weeks or so. It might take a little less or more time depending on the tattoo. Fine lines tend to heal quick, while highly saturated tattoos tend to take a little longer.

Your bandage

You’ve been sent off into the world again with a bandage called Dermshield. This is a breathable, adhesive barrier for your tattoo that should be left on for 2-5 days. This bandaged should help to promote healing and prevent scabbing. It is normal for fluids to accumulate underneath. When that fluid dries down, it’s typically time to take your bandage off. If for any reason you experience redness around the bandage itself or any irritation, remove your bandage immediately and start your aftercare process early.

When you remove your bandage

Typically it’s easiest to take your bandage off in the shower, or right after a sweaty workout. Pull it off in a downwards motion. Sometimes the bandage will come off in pieces, this is common and normal. As soon as the bandage comes off you can start your aftercare process.

Washing your tattoo

Kay recommend’s you wash your tattoo 1-3 times a day depending on how dirty the area gets. Once in the morning, sometime in the middle of the day (if it gets real gross), and before you go to bed. To avoid irritation when washing, make sure you use unscented or antibacterial soaps such as Dr. Bronners or Dial Gold. Get the soap sudsy and gently wash with your fingers only. No loofas or other scrubbies! Rinse and air dry. Try not to dry your tattoo with towels, as these larger fibers could get into your healing tattoo wound and run the risk of infection. If you’re in a hurry, the best option for drying is to gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Moisturize!

Some people like to “dry heal” their tattoos, meaning they never rarely moisturizer on throughout the healing process. This is okay, and Kay has seen tattoos heal great without it, but ultimately it’s recommend to apply some moisture to guarantee some extra comfort and an overall smoother healing process for yourself. Only very light layers of moisturizer are needed. Overly moisturizing your tattoo could cause it heal incorrectly, and ultimately cause your tattoo to fade faster. Make sure you are using unscented or all natural moisturizers such as Cetaphil, Hustle Butter, or even coconut oil. When looking for your favorite brand, try to avoid products with petroleum in them. It’s a very heavy ingredient that could clog your pores, and we want your tattoo to breathe, baby, breathe!

Things to avoid or limit while healing

Until your tattoo is no longer scabby or glossy, you’ll want to avoid or be mindful of a few things!

Submerging in Water: No swimming, baths, hot tubs, or even saunas. Showers are still okay!

High Sun Exposure: Try to limit direct sun exposure on your tattoos if you can, and only use sun screen on your tattoo when it is completely healed.

Itching, Scratching, Picking: Trust me, I know it’s hard to resist scratching that itch! Picking and scratching could affect how your tattoo heals, leaving gaps in the ink.

Re-Bandaging: You should never have to re-bandage your tattoo. The bandage I have you go home with is the only one that should be staying on for the recommended amount of time. Let that tattoo breathe! If you work jobs that could get your tattoo pretty messy, Kay recommends using a medical cohesive, loosely wound around the area or clothes long enough to cover the area.

Healing Ointments/Creams/Balms: Although your tattoo is a healing wound, these products could ultimately disrupt the natural healing process we want your tattoo to go through to ensure they’re looking fresh. If you are worried about infection, please contact your primary doctor immediately and inform Kay on what’s going on.

Pet Dander: Please don’t ignore your pets, but be conscious of any pet dander that may get onto your healing tattoo. If pet dander gets stuck, it could ultimately run the risk of infection. If you notice this happen just make sure to give your tattoo a good ol’ wash!

If there’s anything not listed that you are concerned about, or have any additional questions regarding the healing process, please send me a message!

Happy healing!

XOXO