Aftercare Instructions
How well you take care of your new tattoo in the first 2 weeks dictates how it will look for the rest of your life. To make the healing process as seamless as possible for you, we’ve provided two different healing methods that we have found to work best. If you have any questions regarding healing your new tattoo, please feel free to call us at (631) 481-3786, text us at bluehoneymoontattoo@gmail.com, or swing by the shop. Thank you for getting tattooed!
Traditional Method
Your new tattoo should remain bandaged for at least 2-3 hours. The bandage may be left on overnight if it feels comfortable and secure.
After removing the bandage, immediately wash the tattoo with warm water and soap. We recommend plain Dial soap out of a pump bottle. No soap with fragrance, beads, or scrubs. Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid is removed. Then, pat dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor healing ointment made by Eucerin. Be sure to apply the ointment with clean hands.
Use Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular, fragrance-free lotion.
Once a day in the shower is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo.
Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will eventually slough.
Do not swim or soak in bathtubs, pools, jacuzzis, the ocean, etc. for at least 3 weeks. Showers are okay.
Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight for one month.
It will normally take 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal.
Tegaderm Method
Tegaderm is sterile and breathable. It is a waterproof and germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, contamination, irritation, and abrasion while it’s going through the most critical phase of healing.
Your tattoo artist will bandage your new tattoo with Tegaderm.
It’s normal to have blood and fluid visible under the Tegaderm bandage.
Tegaderm is reasonably waterproof and showering will not affect the Tegaderm bandage. Try to avoid bathing or swimming until your tattoo is completely healed.
Leave the Tegaderm on for at least 3-4 days. If the Tegaderm is still secure after 3-4 days, you can leave it on for 5-6 days.
When you’re ready to remove the Tegaderm, slowly and carefully peel it off your skin. Doing this in a hot shower softens the adhesive and makes removing the bandage a bit easier.
After removing the Tegaderm bandage, rinse the tattoo with warm water and soap and gently rub off any excess material from your skin.
Pat dry your tattoo with a clean paper towel. You may apply a thin layer of unscented lotion if your tattoo is dry, tight, or itchy.
If at any point the Tegaderm leaks or water gets under the bandage, remove the bandage and care for your tattoo with the traditional method listed above.