Aftercare

Proper aftercare is an important part of healing your tattoo. Follow the instructions below carefully and contact the shop or your artist with any questions during the healing process.

Aftercare Supplies

  • Fragrance-free antibacterial soap or diluted Castile soap
  • Tegaderm / Saniderm or Aquaphor / Spray Aquaphor
  • Fragrance-free lotion
  • Clean paper towels
  • Rubbing alcohol (optional, for Tegaderm application only)
  • Empty spray bottle (optional, for diluted Castile soap)

 

Option 1: Tegaderm / Saniderm Healing

Before Applying Tegaderm

  1. Wait about 24 hours before applying Tegaderm.
  2. During that first 24 hours, wash the tattoo gently with fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
  3. Apply a small amount of fragrance-free lotion or Aquaphor every 4 to 6 hours if needed.

Applying Tegaderm

  1. Right before applying Tegaderm, wash the tattoo thoroughly with fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
  2. Make sure the skin is fully clean and dry.
  3. If needed, wipe the skin around the tattoo with rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to help the bandage stick. Do not apply alcohol directly to the tattoo.
  4. Apply Tegaderm in one or more pieces so the tattoo is fully covered and sealed, leaving about a 3/4-inch border around the tattoo.

While Wearing Tegaderm

  • Leave Tegaderm on for 3 to 5 days.
  • If the bandage becomes unsealed, starts leaking, or fluid escapes, remove it within 24 hours.
  • If unusual irritation, redness, or an adhesive reaction develops, especially around the edges, remove it immediately.

Removing Tegaderm

  1. Remove under running water.
  2. Wash the tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap.
  3. After removal, begin using fragrance-free lotion as needed.

If there are any questions or concerns during healing, contact the artist or the shop directly.

 

Option 2: Aquaphor Healing

First Bandage Removal

  1. Remove the initial bandage after 2 to 3 hours and clean the tattoo with fragrance-free antibacterial soap or diluted Castile soap.
  2. If the bandage feels secure and comfortable, it may be left on overnight.
  3. If removed before bed, the tattoo may be re-wrapped with clean plastic wrap for the night only to prevent excess plasma or ink from leaking onto bedding.
  4. Any overnight wrap should be removed the following morning, and the tattoo should be washed immediately.

Washing Instructions

  • Wash with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
  • Plain Dial soap from a pump bottle or diluted Castile soap works well.
  • Do not use heavily fragranced soaps.
  • Wash gently with clean hands until all plasma, excess ink, and surface fluid are removed.
  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
  • Do not use bath towels.
  • Always wash the tattoo with clean hands only.

Aquaphor Instructions

  1. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor or Spray Aquaphor.
  2. Dab away any excess with a clean paper towel.
  3. Apply 3 times per day for the first 3 to 4 days.

Lotion Instructions

  • Starting around day 4, continue washing 3 times per day and switch to a fragrance-free lotion.
  • After the first week, apply lotion as needed whenever the tattoo feels dry.
  • If lotion causes small breakouts or irritation, reduce how often it is applied.

 

What to Expect During Healing

  • Fresh tattoos may weep during the first couple of days. This is normal.
  • Plasma, ink, and fluid can be gently dabbed away with a clean paper towel.
  • Do not wipe or scrub the tattoo.
  • Around the first week, the tattoo may begin to flake or lightly scab.
  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo.
  • Keep it lightly moisturized and allow flakes or scabs to fall away naturally.
  • Most tattoos take about 2 to 4 weeks to heal.

 

Important Healing Guidelines

  • Wear loose, clean clothing, preferably cotton, over the tattoo.
  • Keep bedding clean during the healing process.
  • Avoid soaking or submerging the tattoo in water for at least 2 weeks. This includes baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and rivers.
  • Avoid unnecessary friction, sweating, and irritation during early healing.
  • Speak with the artist before doing strenuous activity within the first 10 days, especially if the tattoo is in an area that will be heavily rubbed or stretched.
  • Avoid scratching the tattoo, even if it becomes itchy.

 

When to Contact the Shop or a Medical Professional

Please contact High Point Tattoo or a physician if there is:

  • Excessive swelling
  • Increasing redness
  • Unusual sensitivity
  • Heat coming from the tattooed area
  • Excessive pain
  • Signs of infection
  • Any healing issue that seems abnormal

Healing can vary from person to person. If anything feels off, reach out.

 

Questions?

For any healing questions or concerns, contact High Point Tattoo or email hptattoogr@gmail.com.

*Notice that the person may be allowed to donate blood within the standard deferral period if the person presents a copy of his/her client record provided by the body art facility to the blood donor facility.