Tradition Healing

Leave bandage from artist on for 2-4 hours.

Wash your hands before touching your new tattoo!

For the first 3-4 days wash about 2-3 times a day, use an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap (Dial, HibiClens, or unscented Dr. Bronner’s) and warm water using only your hands to wash your tattoo. Do not use washcloths or loofahs; be extra gentle when washing.

After washing pat tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Do not use a regular towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes.

Gently rub a thin layer of unscented healing cream or lotion on your tattoo. I suggest CeraVe healing ointment or BioTat Healing ointment. Do not smother your tattoo.

Around the 4th day your tattoo will start to peel or flake. Do not pick, peel or scratch at your new tattoo. At this point you will switch to a gentle fragrance free lotion and keep it moisturized for the next several weeks. Indefinitely is best.

Don’t Forget:

  • Avoid direct sun exposure on your new tattoo.

  • Do not soak your tattoo, avoid swimming for 2 weeks after a tattoo.

  • Do not pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo. This often pulls the scabs prematurely, taking the ink underneath the skin with it and causes gaps in your healed tattoo.

If you frequent the gym, place a layer of saran wrap over your tattoo for the first week of healing when you are at the gym. Do not leave the wrap on for longer than 1-2 hours, and clean the tattoo well after your work out.

Second Skin

Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days after which you will remove in the shower, pulling with the direction of hair growth.

Wash with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap. Do not use washcloths or loofahs.

Pat tattoo dry with clean paper towel. Do not use a regular towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes. Moisturize with gentle, fragrance free lotion and keep it moisturized for the next several weeks. Indefinitely is best.

Don’t Forget:

  • Do not pop any bubbles (ink sacks), they are normal.

  • If there is any irritation (redness, bumps not on the tattoo, etc.) remove the bandage immediately. Then follow Traditional Healing Aftercare instructions above.

  • If there is still adhesive residue after removing the bandage do not worry, it will come off after a few washes. Do not use abrasives or rubbing alcohol to attempt to remove.

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If the artist did not apply it, you can still apply it within 24 hours of getting your tattoo. To apply yourself:

Wash the area thoroughly using an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap, and allow the tattoo to fully dry. Do not apply any ointment before applying the second skin. Leave about an inch border around the tattoo. If you have to apply in sections have sure they overlap completely.

After you’ve finished applying that you can follow the directions above for removal.