• Do not swim, bathe, or do any activity that submerges the tattoo under water until it is fully healed. Showering is completey fine.

• Do not expose fresh and/or healed tattoos to direct sunlight. Always wear a protective cover (or sunscreen once the tattoo is fully healed).

• It is recommended to wait 3-5 days to workout after getting a new tattoo. If using the Recovery Derm Shield, wait until the bandage has been removed.

• If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact me! I am more than happy to help with any concerns you may have.

Recovery Derm Shield is a transparent matte film adhesive bandage. Derm Shield offers maximum breathability and flexibility, providing optimal conditions for gentle healing and skin renewal. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm Shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities. It works by locking in your body’s natural healing fluids so your tattoo stays hydrated and heals quickly and efficiently with no scabbing and reduced scarring. Since it is breathable, you can wear it for several days at a time while your tattoo heals.

When you leave the shop, you will have a piece of Recovery Derm Shield protecting your tattoo, and you will be given a second sheet to take home with you. You’ll notice that fluid will gather underneath your bandage during the first 24 hours; this is a mix of plasma, ink, and a minimal amount of blood, and is completely normal.

Approximately 24 hours after the completion of your tattoo, you will change the bandage. To do so, please follow the instructions below:

Wash your hands, and gently peel off the existing Derm Shield. Wash the tattoo with gentle soap, and warm water. We recommend using a mild unscented non-dyed antibacterial soap, such as Dial or Dove. Once you clean your tattoo, make sure all of the soap has been thoroughly rinsed, then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use a bath towel or cloth, as this can leave bacteria or fibers on your fresh tattoo. The area must be completely dry, with no ointments or lotions. Peel the provided Derm Shield from the white backing, as shown at your appointment, and adhere it to your tattoo. Adhere the bandage with the adhesive side down and the black plus signs facing upward. Leave this second bandage on for 4 to 5 days. After that time, gently and slowly peel off the Derm Shield. If needed, you can do this in the shower, and it will help it peel of more easily. From this point, wash your tattoo 1-2 times daily, and apply ointment/lotion as needed, and enjoy your tattoo! Full healing time for tattoos varies person to person, but is typically around 2-3 weeks.

*For some smaller tattoos, changing the Derm Shield that was placed the day of your appointment is not necessary and you may keep it on for 3-5 days.

Ol’ Fashioned Heal

1. Remove the bandage in a CLEAN bathroom after 2-3 hours. Bandage may be left on overnight if it feels comfortable and secure. If the bandage is removed on the first night, the tattoo may stick to or stain bed sheets. Maintain clean bedding throughout the healing process (about 2 weeks).

2. After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and soap. I recommend using unscented non-dyed antibacterial soap such as Dial or Dove. Do not use soap with fragrance, moisture beads, or scrubs.

   • Carefully remove bandage and tape

   • Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water

   • Gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed

   • Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, gently, until the skin is clean

   • Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel (do not use a bath or hand towel as this may transfer bacteria or fibers onto your fresh tattoo)

   • Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo - NO washcloths, towels, sponges, or loofahs

   • Tattoos should be washed 1-2 times a day during the healing process (in the shower in perfectly fine)

3. Once the tattoo is dry apply hustle butter, aquaphor ointment, or approved ointment/lotion of choice to your tattoo. Apply a thin layer and rub it in gently. Moisturize your tattoo 3-4 times a day or as needed. If using aquaphor healing ointment, use for the first 2-3 days, then switch to a fragrance free lotion such as lubriderm or eucerin.

4. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days - meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be dabbed gently with a clean paper towel. Press the paper gently to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo.

5. Leave tattoo uncovered, or wear loose, preferably cotton, clothing over the fresh tattoo. A bra strap, tight waistband, gym shoe or itchy sweater can potentially create healing problems when worn over healing tattoos. You can always ask me for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid!

6. After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. Tattoos typically take 2-4 weeks to heal depending on an individual’s skin.