I've either wrapped you in plastic wrap or Derm Shield, which have slightly different instructions, so please refer to the appropriate selection below.
For either form of aftercare, you will need:
Liquid Baby Unscented Dr. Bronner's Soap
Aquaphor in a small tube, not a jar (unless I've instructed you not to use Aquaphor)
Unscented hand lotion (unscented Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, etc. or any of their generics)
paper towels
With a healing tattoo, you should never:
Never expose your healing tattoo to direct sunlight.
Never soak your healing tattoo or submerge it fully underwater (showers are fine, but absolutely no baths, swimming or hot tubs for 2 weeks, as these can cause a serious infection).
Never apply A&D, vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin, or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo. Please only use the products I've instructed you to use.
Never pick, peel, or scratch your healing tattoo. In general, try to not touch your fresh tattoo unless it is for cleaning or applying lotion.
With a healing tattoo, it's recommended to avoid:
Avoid any tight, restrictive clothing that causes excessive friction; especially during the first 1-5 days. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable cotton clothing.
Avoid rigorous exercise while your tattoo is still red and swollen.
Avoid having your tattoo come into direct contact with pets or dirty surfaces, especially during the first 1-5 days. If it does come into contact with a dirty surface, simply wash your tattoo using the washing instructions below.
IF I’VE WRAPPED YOU IN PLASTIC WITH OINTMENT:
Leave the plastic wrap on for 2-4 hours, unless I've recommended you to leave it on overnight. If I've instructed you to leave it on overnight, remove the plastic wrap as soon as you wake up in the morning.
As soon as you remove the plastic wrap, wash your tattoo with running lukewarm water and unscented soap making sure to carefully remove all ointment, plasma build-up, and any excess ink. You can do this by washing your hands first and directly lathering (gently) your tattoo with your clean hands.
Gently pat dry your tattoo with a clean paper towel, or let it air dry. Never use washcloths, bath towels, or bar soap; as these things can harbor bacteria.
Do not apply any lotion or ointment on the first day.
For the first 1-3 days, your tattoo may be a little red and swollen, which is normal. If the swelling is bothering you, feel free to take an over the counter anti-inflammatory of your choice, such as ibuprofen. Tattoos near joints or on the lower legs tend to swell more; depending on the person and their body's inflammatory response, tattoos with those placements can even be swollen anywhere from 5-10 days. With lower legs, elevation can help improve swelling.
For days 1-7, wash your tattoo twice a day (morning & evening) following all of the washing instructions above. If you've been exercising or doing anything to cause excessive sweating, you will need to wash your tattoo directly after that in addition to morning & evening.
If I've instructed you to use Aquaphor (if not, skip to the next step), apply an extremely thin layer twice a day after you've washed your tattoo, making sure it is completely dry before applying. Use the smallest amount possible, even patting off any excess with a paper towel if needed. Do not use a thick layer, as this can be suffocating and your tattoo needs oxygen to properly heal. You can use Aquaphor for the first 2-4 days.
When your tattoo starts feeling dry with the skin becoming tight (this is typically around day 4-5 for most people) switch to applying a small amount of unscented lotion to moisturize your tattoo, always making sure it is dry before applying. Generally, 2-3 times a day works for most, but you may need more depending on your skin. You want to keep it just moisturized enough so that you're easing the discomfort of the dryness. More lotion does not speed up the healing process (and can even delay healing if your tattoo is too suffocated), so do your best to just moisturize enough according to what your body needs.
From days 5-14, your skin will be peeling similar to a sunburn. Do not pick or peel your tattoo, as this can encourage pigment to fall out and will affect the way it heals. Do your best to let your tattoo peel naturally.
From days 7-14, switch to washing just once a day so as not to excessively dry out your tattoo. Continue with unscented lotion sparingly, only as needed.
From day 14 and onward, your tattoo will be fully healed once it has finished peeling. You can resume taking baths, swimming, and exposure to direct sunlight (with a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide to prevent fading!)
IF I’VE APPLIED A DERM SHIELD BANDAGE:
Derm Shield is a breathable, water resistant bandage (you can shower with it on, but do not soak or fully submerge it; still no swimming!) that protects your tattoo from friction. The idea behind this method is that your tattoo will be healing in its own plasma, with the goal of minimizing any peeling and improving healing time.
Your fresh tattoo will push out a mixture of blood and plasma, as well as some pigment, which will collect minimally under your Derm Shield. In several hours, it will look like a gross little pouch filled with a small amount of dark fluid. This is totally normal!
Keep your Derm Shield on for a minimum of 24 hours. If the seal is remaining in tact, you can keep the Derm Shield on for up to 3-4 days. My general rule is that if anything is leaking out, that means bacteria can get in. If the seal around your tattoo has been broken or any part has peeled up in a way that exposes your tattoo, remove the Derm Shield immediately and follow the above aftercare instructions, skipping the use of Aquaphor.
If you have a large tattoo, I may instruct you to remove the first piece after 24 hours, and apply a new piece to leave on for an additional 2-3 days. It's important that you wash your tattoo using the washing instructions above before applying the second piece. Make sure your tattoo is completely dry (patting dry with a clean paper towel) before applying a second piece. Do not use Aquaphor or lotion before applying the second piece. If the seal has been broken at any point during this 2-3 days with your second piece, remove the Derm Shield immediately and follow the above aftercare instructions, skipping the use of Aquaphor.
To remove your Derm Shield, first clean your hands with soap and water. Start by peeling an upper corner of the bandage. Slowly pull down while stretching outward. Some may find this easier to remove in the shower while running lukewarm water and unscented soap underneath the bandage to help loosen it. Do not quickly rip off your Derm Shield like a bandaid. It is normal for this to be a slow and steady process, and it can even feel tender as the area may still be slightly swollen as you're removing the Derm Shield.
Generally, tattoos that have been healed with Derm Shield for the full 3-4 days either don't peel at all, or they peel very minimally. Once you've removed your Derm Shield, you will use the washing and aftercare instructions above, skipping the use of Aquaphor. If your tattoo is peeling and dry, only use unscented hand lotion minimally as needed to keep your tattoo moisturized.
If at any point your skin underneath or around the Derm Shield seems excessively red, itchy, irritated or you develop any kind of rash, remove it immediately and contact me via email with clear photos. Reactions from Derm Shield can sometimes happen, but are common and not typically serious or dangerous.
If you have any questions at any point during the healing process, don't hesitate to reach out! I'd much rather you ask me instead of googling aftercare or asking a friend. Make sure to use "AFTERCARE" in the subject line so I know that your email is time sensitive; I will try to respond as soon as possible.