After your session, you'll leave with a bandage over your fresh tattoo—either a wound pad, plastic wrap, or a transparent medical film. To ensure proper healing, please read these instructions completely.
Before touching your tattoo:
Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap first
Never let anyone else touch your tattoo
During the healing process:
Wear clean, loose clothing to limit friction
Do not pick, scratch, peel, or slap your tattoo
If scabs form, let them fall off naturally
When itchy, wash gently and apply a thin layer of lotion
❌ No soaking — Pools, hot tubs, beaches, or baths for minimum 2 weeks
❌ No sun exposure — Avoid direct sunlight and tanning for at least 3 weeks
❌ No tight/abrasive clothing — Nothing that rubs or irritates the tattoo
❌ No prolonged water exposure — Keep showers brief
❌ No covering with plastic wrap — Traps moisture and bacteria
Days 1–3:
Step 1: Remove Bandage
Take off the bandage after 1–4 hours at home. Do not re-bandage.
Step 2: Wash (3x daily)
Use warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap
Use only your hands—no washcloths, brushes, or bar soap
Gently clean the area without scrubbing
Step 3: Dry
Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let air dry for 5–10 minutes. Avoid touching or rubbing anything against it.
Step 4: Apply Ointment
Apply a thin layer of artist provided ointment or Cocoa Butter twice daily. Over-application will suffocate your tattoo.
Days 4–14:
Your tattoo will start to peel—this is normal. Do not pick at it.
Switch from ointment to fragrance-free, light daily lotion
Continue washing 3x daily with antibacterial soap
Air dry completely before applying lotion
Continue for at least 2 weeks, until the tattoo feels smooth
The transparent medical film is a breathable barrier that locks in your body's natural healing fluids.
What's normal:
A bubble of inky, blotchy fluid will form under the film
Your tattoo may not be visible through the fluid
This is healthy and part of the healing process
Important limits:
The film is water-resistant, not waterproof
It does not protect you from the sun
Avoid excessive sweating (can affect adhesion)
While Wearing the Film
Keep it on for: 24 hours minimum, up to 3–5 days (per your artist's instructions)
Showering:
You may shower with it on. Hand-wash carefully around the edges to avoid tears or lifting the seal.
Signs of trouble:
If ink or fluid leaks from the sides, the seal is compromised. Remove immediately and switch to traditional aftercare.
Removing the Film
Best practice: Remove in the shower
Let warm water loosen the adhesive
Pull a corner and slowly peel in the direction of hair growth
Stretch the film parallel to your skin (don't pull upward)
Gently wash with fragrance-free antibacterial soap using only your hands
Pat dry with a clean paper towel
After the film removal:
Use a fragrance-free lotion for at least 2 weeks. Always wash and air dry before applying lotion.
Antibacterial Soaps
Dial Gold
Ointments (Days 1–3 Traditional Method)
Cocoa Butter
Artist-provided ointment
Daily Lotions (Day 4+ or After Film Removal)
Lubriderm Daily Moisture
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Cerave Daily Moisturizing
Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
100% Pure Cocoa Butter
Artist-provided tattoo lotions/balms
❌ Never Use
Vaseline, petroleum jelly, Neosporin, Bag Balm, or any product with fragrance or dyes
Continue moisturizing regularly after healing
Always wear sunscreen on healed tattoos to prevent fading
Stay hydrated and maintain healthy skin