TATTOO AFTERCARE
Proper aftercare is an important part of getting a great tattoo. Follow these instructions to help your tattoo heal cleanly and protect your new artwork.
If your artist gave you specific instructions that differ from these, always follow your artist's recommendations.
CHOOE YOUR AFTERCARE METHOD
WHICH AFTERCARE METHOD DID YOUR ARTIST RECOMEND?
TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE
1. Remove Your Bandage
Leave the initial bandage on for no longer than 1 hour. Once you remove it, clean your tattoo immediately. Do not re-bandage the tattoo.
2. Wash Your Tattoo
Wash your hands first. Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use only your fingertips—do not scrub or use a washcloth, sponge, or loofah.
3. Dry It Gently
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub it. Allow the tattoo to dry before applying your aftercare product.
4. Apply Recovery Tattoo Salve
We recommend Recovery Tattoo Salve, available for purchase at Old Oak Tattoo. Apply a very thin layer as needed for 2 weeks. You only need enough to lightly moisturize the tattoo—do not leave a thick or heavy coating.
If you prefer an over-the-counter option, we recommend Aquaphor.
DO NOT USE A&D OINTMENT OR NEOSPORIN.
5. Keep It Clean
Wash your tattoo 2–3 times a day and anytime it becomes dirty. Always wash your hands before touching your healing tattoo.
6. Peeling & Itching
As your tattoo heals, some flaking, peeling, and itching is normal. Do not scratch, pick, or peel your tattoo. Let the skin shed naturally.
7. No Soaking or Swimming
While your tattoo is healing, avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, rivers, and other soaking. Showers are fine.
8. Protect Your Tattoo
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight while the tattoo is healing and avoid tight or dirty clothing rubbing against it. Once fully healed, sunscreen can help protect your tattoo from UV exposure and fading.
Questions or Concerns?
If you're unsure about how your tattoo is healing, contact your artist. Seek medical care if you develop concerning signs such as worsening or spreading redness, increasing swelling or warmth, pus-like drainage, red streaks, fever, or severe/worsening pain.
RECOVERY DERM SHIELD AFTERCARE
Second-Skin Bandage
1. FIRST DERM SHIELD — 24 HOURS
Leave the first piece of Recovery Derm Shield on for 24 hours. It is normal for blood, plasma, and excess ink to collect underneath the bandage. This may make your tattoo look blurry or messy—this is normal.
2. REMOVE THE FIRST PIECE
After 24 hours, wash your hands and carefully remove the Derm Shield. Removing it under warm running water can make the process easier. Slowly pull the film back over itself and along the skin rather than pulling it straight up.
3. WASH YOUR TATTOO
Immediately after removing the first piece, gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use your fingertips only. Do not scrub or use a washcloth, sponge, or loofah.
4. LET IT DRY COMPLETELY
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, then allow the tattoo and surrounding skin to air dry completely before applying the new piece.
5. APPLY THE SECOND DERM SHIELD
Once the tattoo is completely clean and dry, apply a fresh piece of Recovery Derm Shield. Do not put ointment, salve, lotion, or any other product underneath the Derm Shield.
6. LEAVE THE SECOND PIECE ON FOR 4–5 DAYS
Keep the second piece of Derm Shield on for 4–5 days. If the bandage begins leaking or peels enough that the tattoo becomes exposed, remove it rather than trying to reseal or patch the exposed area.
7. REMOVE, CLEAN & MOISTURIZE
After 4–5 days, carefully remove the Derm Shield and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to dry completely.
From this point forward, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion as needed to keep the tattoo lightly moisturized while it finishes healing. Do not over-apply.
8. PROTECT YOUR HEALING TATTOO
Do not scratch, pick, or peel your tattoo. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, lakes, rivers, prolonged soaking, and prolonged direct sunlight until your tattoo is fully healed.
ADHESIVE IRRITATION
If you develop significant irritation from the adhesive, remove the Derm Shield and contact your artist. Seek medical care for concerning symptoms such as worsening or spreading redness, increasing swelling or warmth, pus-like drainage, red streaks, fever, or severe or worsening pain.