One Way Barrier Film Bandage (ie, Saniderm, Tegaderm, “sticker bandage”):

This is a one way barrier film that keeps your tattoo protected from bacteria and the elements and is used in hospitals for wounds. As your body produces white blood cells and plasma, your bandage may have a pocket of inky liquid in it - this is okay! It is tricking your body into thinking it is a blister and is helping to heal your tattoo. You may either leave this on for one day and then remove, wash your tattoo with mild, unscented soap and dry with clean paper towels and apply a new bandage if your artist has provided you one, or as long as your bandage remains sealed and is not leaking or open to air, you may leave it on for 2 - 4 days. If your bandage is leaking or is no longer sealed, it is no longer protecting you and must be removed to avoid bacteria getting in and causing an infection or other issues. To remove: please remove under warm water (in the shower works well) by gently tugging away from you. Your artist may have other suggested recommendations for how long to wear this protective bandage.  *If you notice red irritation or “pimples” near the edge of the bandage, this is a sign that you have an adhesive allergy and the barrier film should be removed immediately. If you have other questions, please refer to the brand specific website of the bandage your artist has used. 

Saran Wrap Bandage:

Leave your bandage on for a *minimum* of 6 to 8 hours, though we recommend leaving it on overnight until the next morning. It is important that your body is finished trying to produce a scab before removing your bandage.

For all tattoos:

Wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, unscented, anti-bacterial soap, like Dial or Dr Bronner’s unscented baby soap, do not use abrasive/scented soaps. Make sure your hands are clean. After washing, use a clean, disposable paper towel to dry your tattoo - do not use a wash cloth or bath towel. It is important to wash your new tattoo until it doesn’t feel “slimy” - this is your body trying to produce a scab. The less scabbing that occurs, the quicker your tattoo will heal.
- Apply a very thin later of unscented water based lotion to your tattoo when it starts to flake or itch. Typically this occurs on day 3 or 4. We recommend a fragrance free & dye free version of Lubriderm or Curel.
- Let your tattoo heal itself. Your body is very resilient and will mostly take care of the tattoo. Over moisturizing, over medicating or over cleaning your tattoo can affect it negatively.
- Keep your tattoo out of the sun. The sun will break down the tattoo pigments and can cause it to fade. The better you take care of your skin, the longer your tattoo will remain bright and crisp. Use sunblock only when your tattoo is completely healed. 

THINGS NOT TO DO:
Do not soak your fresh tattoo - this includes bath tubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, the ocean, lakes, sauna, steam room, etc. It will draw color out and make any scabbing soft and pliable, which could result in loss of pigment and infection. When your tattoo is no longer a wound, scabby, or flaking and it feels like the rest of your skin, it is okay to go swimming or use sunblock on your tattoo.
Avoid sweating. This is basically getting your tattoo wet. When you sweat, your body is expelling toxins. Try to keep sweating/excessive exercise to a minimum until your tattoo heals.
Do not use Neosporin, It is geared to draw out foreign matter, ie tattoo pigment.
Do not use A&D ointment. It contains no healing properties, is sticky, will attract dust, dirt, bacteria and is similar to soaking your tattoo.
Do not sleep with your pets while your tattoo is healing. They will be very interested in your new tattoo as they will think you are wounded. Unfortunately our furry friends can introduce bacteria and infection to our tattoos if you are not careful.

If you have further questions or are concerned that your tattoo isn’t healing properly, please call the shop at (206) 618-1447 or stop by the shop in person.