Removing Your Bandage & Cleaning Your Tattoo

These steps are crucial to ensure your tattoo heals properly! Skipping these steps puts your tattoo at risk of healing unevenly or becoming infected

• Tattoos bandaged with Second Skin should remain covered for 2-5 days*

• Tattoos bandaged with plastic wrap should remain covered for 4-5 hours or up until you shower (ideally in the evening or overnight)

• With clean hands, carefully peel the bandage off under warm running water or in the shower

• Wash the tattoo gently with clean hands, using a fragrance-free soap (I recommend a bar of Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap or antibacterial soap)

• Rinse the tattoo and let air dry or gently pat dry with a paper towel. Cloth towels can contain harmful bacteria!

• DO NOT use any abrasive items to wash/dry your tattoo - no loofahs or washcloths

• DO NOT wipe/scrub your tattoo when drying -air dry or gentle pats only

• Never re-bandage your tattoo (unless directed by your artist). This may trap unwanted bacteria that can cause infection if not done properly

• After cleaning, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor for the first day and then switch to an unscented lotion

For The Duration of Healing

The initial healing process lasts about 2-4 weeks! Handpokes will heal much faster than machine. During this time, make sure to:

• Keep your tattoo and the surrounding area clean

• With clean hands, apply a thin layer of lotion a few times daily when the tattoo is noticeably dry, tight, itchy, or cracking. Be careful not to over-moisturize, as this can disrupt the proper healing of the tattoo. Scabs should not be moist! Allow the skin to breathe

  • I recommend applying a thin layer of Aquaphor for the first day without a bandage and switching to an unscented lightweight lotion such as Gold Bond Healing Lotion with Aloe or shea butter until fully healed

  • Avoid scab disruption by using thin layers of lotion and patting until absorbed

• Wear loose clean clothing!

• Avoid touching your tattoo other than during cleaning

• Never submerge the tattooed area in water of any kind (unless showering) until the tattoo is scab-free

• Never pick or scratch your tattoo

• Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight - Sunburns and UV rays will damage your fresh tattoo

• Do not apply sunscreen until your tattoo is fully healed

It’s normal for your tattoo to feel itchy. It is also normal for skin containing pigment to flake off. Solid black fill tends to take longer to heal than line work. Do NOT attempt to remove flaking scabs. The best way to help itchiness is by gently slapping your tattoo. Picking at scabs will cause uneven lines and patchy fill

*Plasma/blood forming underneath the bandage is completely normal. Mild bruising, heat, and redness around the tattoo are also normal. However, if the bandage causes painful irritation/rashes, you can remove it early. Redness and intense burning around the edges of the bandage is a sign it should be removed early

Please contact Ziggy by email at ziggy@hardeasytattoo.com or direct message @ziggy.tatts on Instagram if you have any further questions or concerns!