Aftercare

Tegaderm style bandages are our preferred method for healing tattoos. 

We've found this to not only be the best method of healing a tattoo, but the most user-friendly and comfortable.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process

1. Initial Care:

• • Follow Artist’s Instructions. Always adhere to any specific aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist. Please do not follow any "advice" from anyone other than your artist. Each of our artists have more than a decade of professional experience. If you have questions, please ask. We are always happy to help.

• • Keep the Bandage On. It is important to maintain the  integrity of the bandage for at least 3 to 5 days. This helps the tattoo remain sealed and protected from external contaminants while allowing it to breathe as it advances through the primary stage of the healing process. 

  • We HIGHLY recommend limiting motion and activity that can cause stretching of the skin, elevated heart rate or excessive sweating. 

Failure to do so can lead to complications or compromise the healing process, bandage integrity, and overall quality of the tattoo. 

2. Removing the Bandage:

• Wash Your Hands. Before touching your tattoo, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.

• Gently Remove the bandage. It is best to remove the bandage while in a warm/hot shower. Let the warm/hot water run on the bandage/tattoo for several moments. This allows the bandage to be removed more easily. Begin to roll up the edges while slowly and gently peeling back the bandage at a SHARP ANGLE to the skin. If it sticks, you can moisten it with more warm water to ease the removal.

• Clean the Tattoo. Once removed, GENTLY wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. After cleaning, pat it dry with a clean, dry, single-use paper towel. 

  • Do not use a washcloth or shower towel.

  • Do not scrub your tattoo. 

3. Moisturizing:

• Apply a very light layer of aftercare butter or unscented lotion only.

•  Once your tattoo begins to dry out; or becomes tight or itchy, we recommend applying a VERY THIN LAYER of Hustle Butter or fragrance-free lotion. Again, it is very important that you only apply very thin layers. If unsure if too much has been used, gently pat with a clean, dry, single-use paper towel. This will remove any excess. 

• Avoid Heavy Creams. Do not use ointments or any petroleum-based products as either can suffocate the tattoo or clog pores. 

4. Keep it out of direct sun:

Direct sun can/will damage or age your tattoo. Avoid direct exposure to the sun

• Keep it out of the sun/UV rays. 

• Do not submerge your tattoo in water. 

• Keep Tattoo clean and free from external contaminants

5. Aftercare Beyond the Bandage:

• Moisturize Regularly: After removing the bandage, continue to apply a fragrance-free moisturizer in VERY LIGHT layers 2-3 times a day until the tattoo is fully healed (usually 2-4 weeks). 

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight, and consider using sunblock but only once the tattoo has healed. 

6. Monitor for Issues:

• While the chance of infection is rare, it can still be possible with poor aftercare so it is very important to follow your artist recommendation. If signs of infection become present please contact your Artist and/or medical professional. 

7. Final Thoughts:

• Patience is Key: Allow your tattoo to heal without picking or scratching at it. Peeling/light scabbing is normal, but it should not be excessive.

•  Follow Up with Your Artist: If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist. 

We are always happy to help!