AFTERCARE

With waterproof bandage

  1. Keep the transparent bandage on for 1 to 5 days

Minimum 24 hours, ideally 3 to 5 days.

  • You may see a buildup of blood and plasma mixed with ink under the bandage in the first few hours following your appointment, this is perfectly normal.

  • You can shower with the bandage on, but avoid soaking the area as it will weaken the adhesive. Avoid taking baths or other bodies of water until your tattoo is healed.

  • If your bandage comes off before 3 to 5 days, don't panic! While ideal to be left on, tattoos can and will heal without the bandage if kept clean and moisturized. You can either skip to step 3, or purchase additional bandages (any drugstore or Amazon - some common brand names are Saniderm and Tegaderm).

* Although rare, some people experience irritation from the adhesive in the bandage. It will appear as little red dots around the perimeter - in this case, remove the bandage and skip to step 3.

2. After 1 to 5 days

  • Remove the bandage(s) and gently wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap, rinse thoroughly and pat or air dry.

  • Remember to only touch your tattoo with clean hands!

  • If you decide to do another round of bandages: Remove the current bandage under warm water and wash with unscented antibacterial soap (it may be hard to get off in certain places and this combo will help weaken the adhesive. Don't pull or tear it off as this could cause irritation and/or pull ink out of your tattoo). Once dry, apply the second bandage(s).
    Leave on the tattoo for an additional 2 to 4 days. Do not apply any ointment, lotion, or other product to the tattoo or surrounding area before applying the bandage, it will not stick.

3. After the bandage stage

  • Clean your tattoo 2 - 3 times per day (or as many times as necessary to keep the tattoo clean - avoid bacteria at all costs!) with an unscented antibacterial soap. Apply a thin layer of ASD ointment following washing, 2 - 3 times per day, until the tattoo is fully healed (no more peeling, dry, or cracked skin - typically within 2 to 3 weeks).

  • Until healed:

  • Avoid swimming/bodies of water (bacteria, ew.)

  • Prolonged sun exposure (sun hurts
    & UV rays fade your fresh ink - always wear SPF to avoid fading even after healed!)

  • Scratching/peeling your tattoo (It will get itchy. It will get flaky. It will be tempting. Don't do it! This could pull ink out and/or extend the healing process.)

With plastic wrap


1. First 2–4 Hours

  • Leave the plastic wrap on for at least 2 hours after your session (up to 4 if advised).

  • This protects your tattoo from bacteria and prevents rubbing against clothes.

2. First Wash

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

  • Gently remove the wrap and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel — do not rub.

3. Re-Wrapping (First Night Only)

  • You may re-wrap with a fresh piece of plastic wrap before bed on the first night to protect your sheets.

  • In the morning, remove the wrap and do not re-wrap again. Your tattoo needs air to heal.

4. Moisturizing

  • Apply a thin layer of tattoo-safe ointment or fragrance-free lotion (Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, etc.).

  • Do not over-apply — too much moisture can suffocate the skin.

5. General Healing

  • Wash gently and apply a thin layer of lotion 2–3 times a day.

  • Expect peeling and light scabbing within the first week.

  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo.

6. What to Avoid

  • No swimming, hot tubs, or long baths for at least 2 weeks.

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds until fully healed.

  • Do not use Vaseline, Neosporin, or scented lotions.

7. Healing Timeline

  • Days 1–3: Redness, soreness, light oozing.

  • Days 4–10: Peeling/itching, similar to a sunburn.

  • Days 10–30: Tattoo looks dull, skin still settling.

  • After 4 weeks, your tattoo should be fully healed.