TATOO AFTERCARE
If you have any questions during the healing process, please reach out via email or instagram. I’m always happy to help.
After your tattoo is complete I will cover it in one of two ways, depending on your preference.
Second Skin
Second Skin is a protective dressing designed to stay on your tattoo for 3–5 days. During this time, most of the healing happens underneath the dressing with very little maintenance required.
It's completely normal to see a build-up of dark, ink-coloured fluid beneath the dressing. This is a mixture of plasma, excess ink, and your body's natural healing fluids—it is not your tattoo ink falling out.
While Wearing Second Skin
Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Do not soak your tattoo in baths, pools, spas, or any other bodies of water while you are wearing the second skin - the bandage is water resistant, not waterproof.
Showering is perfectly fine.
Removing Second Skin
After 3–5 days, remove the dressing in the shower. Gently stretch the film parallel to your skin, rather than pulling it straight away from your body. This method allows the adhesive to release more comfortably.
Ongoing Care
As your tattoo heals, it's normal for it to become itchy. Avoid scratching or picking at it, as this can cause scarring or pull out ink before the skin has healed.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare balm once or twice a day if needed. Remember, less is more—using too much balm can trap moisture and increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Once any scabbing has naturally fallen away and the skin has fully sealed, your tattoo is considered healed, and you can return to your normal routine.
If the Dressing Lifts Early
Sometimes the edge of the Second Skin may lift before the recommended wear time, allowing air to enter or healing fluid to leak out. This is more common in hot weather or if you're sweating.
If this happens, remove the entire dressing as soon as possible. Wash the tattoo gently with mild soap and clean running water, pat dry with clean paper towel, and then follow the Cling Wrap aftercare instructions below.
Cling Wrap
If your tattoo has been covered with cling wrap, leave it on for at least a few hours before removing it.
Wash the tattoo gently with mild soap under clean running water, pat dry with clean paper towel, and apply a thin layer of aftercare balm.
Small Tattoos
Small tattoos can be left uncovered after the initial wash, allowing them to breathe.
Large Tattoos
For larger pieces (such as sleeves, half sleeves, full torso, or full thigh tattoos), you can leave the cling wrap on for the remainder of the day before removing and washing it before bed.
After washing:
Pat dry with clean paper towel.
Allow the tattoo to air dry for 15–20 minutes.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare balm.
Rewrap the tattoo with fresh cling wrap overnight.
The following morning, remove the cling wrap in the shower, wash the tattoo, dry it, apply balm, and wrap it again with fresh cling wrap.
Only continue this wrapping process for the first night. After that, the tattoo should remain uncovered to allow it to breathe.
General Healing
Avoid direct sunlight while your tattoo is healing.
Do not soak your tattoo in baths, pools, spas, or other bodies of water for two weeks.
Wash your tattoo daily with mild soap, allow it to air dry for 15–20 minutes, and apply a thin layer of aftercare balm no more than twice a day.
Your tattoo will likely become itchy as it heals. Avoid scratching or picking at any flakes or scabs, as this can damage the tattoo and increase the risk of scarring.
Once all flaking and scabbing has naturally resolved, you can stop using aftercare balm and resume your normal routine. Be sure to apply sunscreen whenever your healed tattoo is exposed to the sun to help keep it looking its best.
If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please don't hesitate to contact me!