After a minimum of three or four days (up to you) take the second skin off and begin caring for it as it heals. It's easiest to take it off while in the shower or running it under water. A non-scented anti-bacterial soap can also make it easier. Dab dry with a clean paper towel. If you see the dermshield rolling up, your tattoo is leaking out of the bandage, or a part of your tattoo is exposed take the bandage off and start washing your tattoo.

Before bed remove the plastic wrap and wash with non-scented anti-bacterial soap. Gently dab dry with a clean paper towel. Make sure you sleep in a bed with clean sheets and wear clean pajamas.

Wash your tattoo with non-scented anti-bacterial soap once in the morning and once at night. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel, do not use a linen towel. Repeat this process for two weeks. Washing regularly assures things like pet dander, excessive sweat, dirt, dust, etc. do not harm your tattoo and cause infection.

Once the tattoo is no longer looks “wet” and starts getting flaky, feels dry, and the skin feels tight you may begin applying a THIN layer of non-scented lotion such as Lubriderm after you wash it and dry it. We do not recommend thick ointments like Aquaphor as it can suffocate the tattoo.

Tattoos take around 3 weeks to heal. If your tattoo is warm to the touch, tender, redness and swelling around the tattoo, forming pus or discharge, your tattoo may be infected. If you think you have an infection please seek medical attention because you may need oral antibiotics. Please also reach out to your artist to inform them of what’s going on.

-Don’t submerge your tattoo in water. No baths, pools, or lakes. Shower only while healing your tattoo.

-Don’t immediately go to the gym/work out. Refrain from exercise for at least one week.

-Don’t pick the scabs. Let them fall off on their own.

-Don’t sunbathe. Limit your time in the sun. Do not wear sunscreen until your tattoo is fully healed.

-Don’t let your pets scratch or lick your tattoo. We recommend keeping them out of your bedroom during the healing process, especially if you are not wearing dermshield.