Breathable Bandage

• Leave the breathable bandage on for at least 3 days, and can be left on for up to 5 days. It will collect blood and plasma underneath it, and it may be ink stained. That's totally normal!

• Make sure you wash your hands before carefully removing the bandage. Gently wash your tattoo with warm water and an unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a paper towel (avoid using fabric towels as they can harbor more bacteria). Be sure no residue from the bandage or dried blood/plasma is left on the tattoo.

• Once the tattoo is clean and dry, take a small amount of unscented lotion and rub into your tattoo. Be sure it all gets absorbed, leaving little to no residue behind. Please note, I do not typically recommend Aquaphor, A&D ointment, Vaseline, or any other medicated salves/ointments such as Neosporin. A basic unscented lotion such as Lubriderm is all you need.

• Repeat this process 2–3 times a day until the tattoo starts to peel. Once peeling starts, only use a bit of lotion as needed throughout the day. Don't overdo it, as too much product on the tattoo can hinder the healing process. 

• During the peeling process, be sure not to scratch or pick at your tattoo as it can cause ink loss and/or scarring. 

• The bandage is water-resistant but not waterproof, so showering with it is fine, but avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, or any kind of soaking of the area until the tattoo is completely healed, even after the bandage comes off (roughly 3-4 weeks). Avoid direct sunlight and lots of physical activity until it is healed.

• If the bandage starts to leak heavily or become compromised, remove it and start the cleaning regiment described above.

Plastic Wrap Bandage

• Leave the plastic wrap bandage on overnight if possible. It will collect blood and plasma underneath it, and it may be ink stained. That's totally normal!

• Make sure you wash your hands before carefully removing the bandage. Gently wash your tattoo with warm water and an unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a paper towel (avoid using fabric towels as they can harbor more bacteria). Be sure no residue from the bandage or dried blood/plasma is left on the tattoo.

• Once the tattoo is clean and dry, take a small amount of unscented lotion and rub into your tattoo. Be sure it all gets absorbed, leaving little to no residue behind. Please note, I do not typically recommend Aquaphor, A&D ointment, Vaseline, or any other medicated salves/ointments such as Neosporin. A basic unscented lotion such as Lubriderm is all you need.

• Repeat this process 2–3 times a day until the tattoo starts to peel. Once peeling starts, only use a bit of lotion as needed throughout the day. Don't overdo it, as too much product on the tattoo can hinder the healing process. 

• For the first 3 nights after getting your tattoo, re-cover it in plastic wrap just like how your original bandage was. Be sure to clean it thoroughly first, then apply to clean, dry skin that is free of lotion or other products.I recommend using self-adhesive wrap to secure the bandage over tape. It’s easier to adjust/remove, tape can tug and irritate the skin. Tape is required sometimes, but use sparingly.

• During the peeling process, be sure not to scratch or pick at your tattoo as it can cause ink loss and/or scarring. 

• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths or any soaking of your tattoo until it is completely healed (about 3-4 weeks). Avoid direct sunlight and lots of physical activity until it is healed.

If you have any questions or concerns about the healing process or the bandaging, please email me at tsimmsart@gmail.com and be sure to put "Aftercare" in the subject line!