I use Derm Shield to cover my fresh tattoos unless we’ve previously discussed a known allergy to adhesives or a history of highly sensitive skin.

Anecdotally, handpoke tattoos generally heal a bit faster than machine tattoos, but still allow at least 2 weeks before assuming it is fully healed. Best practice is to allow 4 weeks before treating it like healed skin.

DO NOT:

• Do strenuous exercise for at least 2 days

• Swim/submerge tattoo for at least 2 weeks

• Itch/scratch/scrub at tattoo until fully healed

• Wear tight/abrasive clothing around fresh tattoo

DO:

• Wear sunscreen over healed tattoo whenever it is exposed to sun AFTER the initial 2-week healing period

• Send me healed pictures 🙂

• Keep bandage on for ideally 2-3 days, as long as it remains a watertight seal around the entirety of your tattoo – try at least to keep it on for the initial 24 hours

Important Notes:

• If you notice pooling of sweat, leaking from the tattoo, or the bandage itself comes loose to a point that you feel it could be too easily removed, just remove and follow a “traditional” WET tattoo healing method

• If you notice that your skin looks increasingly irritated (red, raised, itchy, other rash symptoms) please also feel free to remove the bandage before 2-3 days has elapsed

If your bandage remains intact and is not causing irritation, keep on for 2-3 days and then proceed with the recommended healing routine below:

• For the first 3-5 days: Wash your tattoo gently, using an unscented liquid antibacterial soap, 3x per day. Using warm (but not hot) water and soap, you’ll use your hand to gently rub the tattoo, removing any excess ink, dried blood or plasma. Do not submerge your tattoo and avoid holding it directly under the spray from a shower or sink.

• Let your tattoo air dry. You can pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel, but you must let the tattoo dry, uncovered, for 15 minutes after each cleaning. Any extra moisture trapped by immediately covering the tattoo is an invitation for bacteria to multiply.

• Once your skin is completely dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or healing ointment of your choice. There should be enough ointment that the tattoo shines, but not enough that you can still see it on top of the skin. Do not over apply ointment, as this can result in tattoo fading and increased bacterial growth.

• After 3-5 days, you will switch to an unscented, hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion. Much like the ointment, you want to avoid over-applying the moisturizer, as excessive moisturizer can have a similar fading effect.

• Continue to apply lotion as needed to keep your tattoo hydrated and avoid excessive scabbing/itching. DO NOT peel, itch, or rub your new tattoo to the best of your ability. Avoid touching your new tattoo with unwashed hands.