Tattoo Aftercare
Proper aftercare is an important part of how your tattoo heals. Everyone’s skin heals a little differently, so pay attention to your body and contact me if you have any questions or concerns during the healing process.
Healing with Tegaderm
Leave the Tegaderm on overnight.
It is completely normal to see a mixture of plasma, blood, and ink collect underneath the bandage. If the Tegaderm remains securely sealed, you can leave it in place.
If the bandage becomes excessively full, leaks, peels back enough to expose the tattoo, or otherwise loses its seal, it should be removed. Heavily saturated color or blackwork may produce more fluid during the first day.
If I have instructed you to replace your Tegaderm, do so within the first 24 hours after your appointment.
Changing your Tegaderm
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo. I recommend removing the Tegaderm in the shower under lukewarm water, gently stretching it back over itself rather than pulling it straight away from the skin.
Once removed:
Gently wash the tattoo using clean hands, lukewarm water, and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Do not scrub or use a washcloth, loofah, or sponge.
Pat the tattoo completely dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for a few minutes.
Once the skin is completely clean and dry, apply the new piece of Tegaderm as instructed.
Do not apply lotion or ointment underneath Tegaderm.
Leave the replacement bandage on for approximately 3–4 days, unless I have instructed you otherwise.
If water, sweat, or debris gets underneath the bandage, or the tattoo becomes exposed, remove the Tegaderm rather than trying to reseal it.
Irritation from Tegaderm
Some redness around the tattoo itself can be normal. However, Tegaderm can occasionally cause skin irritation or a reaction to the adhesive.
If you develop significant itching, burning, blistering, a rash corresponding with the adhesive, or increasing irritation, remove the Tegaderm and transition to traditional aftercare.
Tegaderm is an aid—it is not necessary for your tattoo to heal properly. If your skin does not tolerate it, take it off.
Healing Without Tegaderm
If you are not using Tegaderm—or have removed it—keep your tattoo clean, lightly moisturized, and protected while it heals.
Washing
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use only your hands—no washcloths, sponges, or scrubbing.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow the tattoo to air-dry.
Once dry, apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer as needed. Your tattoo should not remain greasy or heavily coated.
More product does not mean better healing. Over-moisturizing can irritate the skin and interfere with the healing process.
Sleeping
Try not to sleep directly on your fresh tattoo during the first few nights.
Keep your bedding clean, especially if you have pets. Avoid allowing pets to lick, rub against, or sleep directly on your healing tattoo.
A fresh tattoo may release a small amount of fluid during the first night. If fabric becomes stuck to the tattoo, do not pull it off. Wet the area with lukewarm water until the fabric releases naturally.
Touching
Keep your hands—and everyone else’s—off your tattoo unless necessary for cleaning or aftercare.
Always wash your hands first.
Swimming & Soaking
You can shower normally, but do not soak or submerge your tattoo while it is healing.
Avoid:
Baths
Swimming pools
Hot tubs
Lakes
Rivers
Oceans
Wait until the tattoo is fully healed before returning to these activities, typically around 2–3 weeks, though healing time varies.
Sun Exposure
Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight while it heals.
Do not apply sunscreen to a tattoo that has not fully healed. Instead, keep the area covered with loose clothing or avoid direct sun exposure altogether.
Once your tattoo is completely healed, sunscreen will help protect it from fading over time.
Peeling & Scabbing
Your tattoo may become dry, flaky, itchy, or develop light scabbing as it heals. This is normal.
Do not pick, peel, scratch, or scrub it.
Allow everything to come off naturally. Picking at a healing tattoo can remove pigment, prolong healing, and increase the chance of scarring.
Exercise
Give your tattoo some time before returning to strenuous exercise. Excessive sweating, friction, stretching, and contact with gym equipment can irritate a fresh tattoo.
The amount of time you need depends on the size and placement of your tattoo and the activity you’re returning to. When in doubt, give it a few days and pay attention to how your skin is healing.
Avoid exercising with Tegaderm if the activity causes excessive sweating or compromises the bandage.
A Few Important Things
For the first few weeks, keep your tattoo clean and use common sense about what it comes into contact with.
Avoid tight or abrasive clothing over the tattoo, dirty environments when possible, and unnecessary touching.
Some redness, tenderness, swelling, peeling, and itching can occur during normal healing. Increasing pain, warmth, swelling or redness, pus-like drainage, red streaking, fever, or symptoms that are worsening rather than improving should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If something about the tattoo’s healing doesn’t look right to you, please reach out. I’m always happy to look at a photo and help determine whether what you’re experiencing looks like a normal part of the tattoo healing process or whether you should contact a medical professional.