✦ A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, so treat it as such! Following the instructions below, according to your bandage and personal needs, will provide the best healed result. Further questions are always welcome; don’t be shy to reach out

Wrap Bandage:

If you left the studio with a non-adhesive wrap bandage, leave this on for at least 4 hours. If you plan on wearing it overnight (I recommend keeping a fresh tattoo covered for at least the first night) remove the wrap after 4 hours and clean your tattoo with non-scented, dye-free antibacterial soap before applying moisturizing lotion or ointment, a fresh pad, and re-wrapping. Wrap bandages shouldn’t be worn for longer than 12 hours.

Second-Skin Bandage (I use Dermsheild):

If a second-skin bandage was applied, this can be left on for 1-3 days after application. Keep an eye on the skin around the edge of the bandage; redness around the very edge of the second-skin (redness around the tattoo itself is very normal) indicates that the bandage is aggravating your skin and needs to be removed immediately.

Only take brief, cool showers for as long as you plan to wear the bandage (doesn’t have to be freezing, just not hot). Hot water will soften the adhesive of the bandage and you run the risk of the bandage’s edge seal being broken (seal broken = infection-causing bacteria can get inside and hang out with your fresh tattoo). If you notice the second-skin is leaking, this also indicates you should remove the bandage.

When you’re ready to remove your second-skin, do so in a hot & steamy shower. Pull the bandage as you would a command strip; out and away from the skin rather than downwards, using the water to help gently lift the adhesive. Then thoroughly clean the area with anti-bacterial soap to remove leftover residue and bodily fluids, and finish by patting dry with a clean paper towel and applying white unscented lotion.

Caring for your healing tattoo:

• Always wash your hands before cleaning a fresh tattoo.

• When cleaning a healing tattoo, use only your hands - no washcloths, loofah, etc. These can harbor bacteria.

• Once you remove the bandage, allow the tattoo to breathe for the remainder of the healing process. Avoid tight clothing in the area of your tattoo until it’s healed, and keep the area clean.

• Wash your tattoo 2-3 times per day for the first week after removing the bandage; Continue to moisturize as needed.

• Avoid touching your tattoo aside from washing or moisturizing while it is healing. Do not allow others, especially pets, to make contact with your healing tattoo.

• No submerging your tattoo in water! Avoid baths or swimming until the tattoo is completely healed (2-3 weeks).

• Healing tattoos can be itchy. This is normal, but avoid scratching and do not pick at any scabs. Lotion can help! 

• For the first week or so it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, gym equipment, and any activity that might expose your healing tattoo to excess sweat or infection-causing bacteria. 

• Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight, as exposure to UV rays can drastically impact how well your tattoo heals and ages. Once healed, applying sunscreen or wearing covering clothing anytime you’ll be spending time outdoors (yes, even on cloudy days!) will ensure your tattoo looks great as it ages.

• Most tattoos heal completely within 2-3 weeks. If you have any concerns about your healing process, please contact me! (donnajeantattoo@gmail.com)  The internet is full of conflicting, confusing information. I’m happy to help!