We place second skin/derm shield over most if not all of our tattoos to help your healing process along. This is latex-free, waterproof and permeable for breathability. So yes, you can shower with it on, just dont soak it! (Please avoid taking a bath, swimming, getting in a hot tub, etc).

Leave this on for the next 2-4 days. Once it’s time to take it off, get in the shower and peel it off gently. Once it is removed, wash it with warm water and liquid antibacterial soap, and rinse with cool water.

After washing or getting out of the shower, tattoos should be air-dried or dried using clean paper towels. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE unless the artist has given you more derm shield and the artist has instructed you to do so.

See whats normal for second skin healing below.

After the bandage is removed (second skin or plastic wrap if second skin wasn’t used) make sure to wash it 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with warm water and liquid antibacterial soap, rinse with cold water. After washing or getting out of the shower, tattoos should be air-dried or dried using clean paper towels. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE unless the artist has given you more derm shield and has instructed you to do so.

If the tattoo is very dry, apply a VERY small amount of non-scented lotion to the tattoo using clean hands. Less is more. BEFORE applying any lotion, make sure the tattoo is COMPLETELY dry, do not apply more moisture to a tattoo that is already wet.

Especially with the second skin/ recovery derm, liquid (blood and plasma, that will likely be the color of the ink or darker) seeping out of your tattoo is completely normal and is a sign your body is healing! When there is a lot of liquid collecting under the second skin bandage, we call this an ink sac. This is also completely normal, and nothing to worry about. You can either take the bandage off when this occurs or leave it on, your skin will soak most of it back up!

Once the second skin or plastic wrap is removed, it is normal to wake up to some tattoo gunk on your sheets or find some on your clothes.

It is normal for tattoos to be slightly warm the first few days.

Some local swelling is normal.

Your tattoo will become more itchy as you go further in the healing process. It will eventually flake off, like a scab.

DO NOT ITCH OR PEEL THE DEAD SKIN OFF

A lot of warmth, swelling and irritation after a few days of getting the initial tattoo.

A large painful (not itchy) scab over the tattoo.

Redness and pain.

Excessive oozing (after a few days to a week) rash and or puss.

Foul odor.

Fever.

When in doubt, give us a call, stop in, or see a medical professional.

You are responsible for your tattoos healing process!

We recommend that clients use liquid gold dial soap for disinfecting and cleaning the tattoo. We recommend Aquaphor healing ointment for keeping your tattoo moisturized- again a VERY small amount.

Please do NOT use bars of soap to clean your tattoos as they are porous and can carry bacteria, and please do not use ointments like Neosporin or scented lotions. Use water based lotions!