You can wear the adhesive bandage for up to 5 days, unless you feel discomfort, or notice any redness in the shape of the bandage. Reactions to adhesive can happen, but usually resolve on their own. The bandage serves most of its purpose in the first 24-36 hours, any additional time with the bandage on is mostly convenience. The bandage is water resistant, but not waterproof so be mindful while showering. When you’re ready to remove the bandage, do so slowly and gently. You can stretch the edges outwards, sort of like a command strip. If it’s particularly sticky, removing it under running water can be helpful. Do your best to continue adjusting your hands so you’re pulling outwards, close to the skin to avoid pain or discomfort. If you have residual adhesive any oil or oil based cleanser on a cotton round should work.

Once the bandage is off, gently wash the tattoo with unscented, antibacterial soap at least once a day, pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel and apply small amounts of unscented lotion in a thin layer, 1-3 times a day. The amount of moisturizing needed can vary from person to person, the key it thin breathable layers as you do not want to oversaturate. Continue doing this until the tattoo is fully healed. Long term, a high SPF sunscreen is highly recommended.

While your tattoo is healing (2-4 weeks), you want to avoid direct sun exposure, avoid excessive sweating such as saunas or steam rooms, avoid soaking or submerging the area in any body of water, avoid excessive friction and scratching the area. You want to be mindful of clothing or activities that could cause the tattoo to peel before its ready. You never want to pick at it or peel it.

If you have reactions to adhesive, or prefer the traditional path to healing you’ll leave with a temporary protective bandage. Leave this on at least 2-3 hours or until you’re in for the night. After removing the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with unscented, antibacterial soap, pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel and only cover with loose fitting clothing, if at all.

The subsequent days, you will continue to cleanse gently with antibacterial soap, pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel and apply small amounts of unscented lotion in a thin layer, 1-3 times a day. The amount of moisturizing needed can vary from person to person, the key it thin breathable layers as you do not want to oversaturate. Continue doing this until the tattoo is fully healed. Long term, a high SPF sunscreen is highly recommended.

While your tattoo is healing (2-4 weeks), you want to avoid direct sun exposure, avoid excessive sweating such as saunas or steam rooms, avoid soaking or submerging the area in any body of water, avoid excessive friction and scratching the area. You want to be mindful of clothing or activities that could cause the tattoo to peel before its ready. You never want to pick at it or peel it.

You’ll know your tattoo has completely healed when its smooth in texture and the new skin shine settles. At this point all you have to do is WEAR AND REAPPLY 50+ SPF ANYTIME YOU’LL BE IN THE SUN.

If you have any questions, please email your artist directly.