Heal It Right
Tattoo Aftercare
Please read this aftercare form and follow the aftercare given by your artist. You are responsible for taking care of your tattoo once you leave the door.
Take It With You
A print-friendly, one-page-per-side aftercare sheet you can download, print, and hand to clients.
The Bandage
Derm Shield
This is a clear, breathable, waterproof, hypoallergenic film that covers your fresh tattoo and protects it from anything that may interfere with the healing process of your tattoo.
(You may also have heard of Saniderm, Tegaderm, or Second Skin — this is essentially the same thing, just a different brand.)
Keep the existing Derm Shield we sent you home with on for 24 hours. You may notice some colored liquid building up in there — this is perfectly normal, so worry not. It's a little blood, plasma and ink purging from the tattoo; just your body's immune system at work, trying to help ya' out.
- ✦Before removing the bandage, clean your hands, sink and surrounding area.
- ✦After 24 hours, gently peel the film off.
- ✦Carefully remove the bandage with water running. Please peel the bandage slowly.
The Alternative
Traditional Wrapping
Let's say you have adhesive allergies, or you just like the traditional wrap — and you'd like saran wrap and/or Tattoo Armour for your tattoo.
- ✦Wash your hands before touching the tattoo or wrap.
- ✦Remove the wrap after 2–3 hours and gently wash the plasma and ointment away with lukewarm water and anti-bacterial soap.
- ✦Use clean towels. Dab — do not rub — the tattoo.
- ✦Let it air dry, wear breathable clean clothing afterwards, then moisturize.
Daily Washing
Taking Care of Your Tattoo
Wash your tattoo with unscented soap and warm water. Please do not use bar soap — it can have bacteria build-up from sitting in your shower.
Our suggestions: Dial Antibacterial Gold Soap (in the pump) or Dr. Bronner's Natural Soap (concentrated, so please dilute).
After getting out of the shower, gently blot your tattoo dry with a freshly cleaned towel or a paper towel.
Please Avoid
For the First Two Weeks
- ✦No swimming, hot tubs, or baths.
- ✦No sun exposure.
- ✦No gym equipment.
- ✦No shaving over the tattoo.
You have an open wound and are more susceptible to harmful chemicals and bacteria that may interfere with your healing and your overall health.
Please also try to avoid your pet touching your fresh tattoo. We know it's hard — we love them so, and sometimes they're rambunctious and excited to see you. If your dog or cat touches or scratches you, wash your tattoo immediately. Keeping it clean and treating your tattoo properly is essential.
If you'd like to re-wrap with Recovery Derm after the first wrap, you may do so. This helps with more laborious jobs. Please follow the instructions on the back of the product.
With the Derm Shield you shouldn't have any major scabbing, only light flakiness once you take the film off. Please do not pick or peel the flaky skin — allow it to come off naturally to avoid pulling pigment out of your tattoo. Tattoo artists know when you've been picking, so don't do it!
What We Recommend
Ointment Heal & Products
We highly recommend an all-organic ointment over a petroleum-based product. This avoids any unnecessary break-outs that may appear from an ointment with a more Vaseline-like consistency.
Brands we enjoy: Lubriderm, Eucerin, or any unscented lotion. Fragrance-free lotions only.
We also have products available to purchase at Black Cat Tattoo.
Please Note
If you are allergic to adhesives, or find that the Derm Shield isn't your cup of tea, please let us know beforehand if possible and we can find another wrapping alternative.
If you see any signs of infection, please contact us directly via email and seek medical assistance.
Common Questions
Aftercare FAQ
Derm Shield or traditional wrap — which should I choose?
Derm Shield (Saniderm / Tegaderm / Second Skin) is our default: a breathable waterproof film that stays on for 24 hours, keeps bacteria out and usually means little to no scabbing. Traditional saran wrap or Tattoo Armour comes off after 2–3 hours and needs washing and moisturizing right away. Choose the traditional wrap if adhesives bother your skin, or if you simply prefer it.
What if I'm allergic to adhesives?
Tell your artist before we wrap you — ideally before the appointment. We'll use the traditional wrap or another alternative. If you develop redness, itching, or small bumps only where the film's edges sit, that's likely an adhesive reaction: remove the film under running water, wash gently, and switch to the traditional method.
Is the liquid building up under the film normal?
Yes. That colored fluid is a mix of blood, plasma and ink purging from the tattoo — it's your immune system working. Leave the film alone for the full 24 hours unless it leaks or fully lifts at an edge, in which case remove it, wash the tattoo, and either re-wrap with Recovery Derm or move to open-air healing.
When and how do I moisturize?
Start after your first wash once the wrap is off. Wash with unscented pump soap, blot dry with a clean towel or paper towel, then apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion — Lubriderm, Eucerin, or an organic ointment. Thin is key: a heavy, greasy layer suffocates the tattoo. Two to three times a day is plenty.
Can I use Vaseline, A&D, or scented lotion?
We don't recommend petroleum-based products; they can clog the skin and cause break-outs. Skip anything with fragrance or glitter. Fragrance-free only. We carry aftercare products at the shop if you'd rather not guess.
What's normal during healing?
Redness and warmth around the tattoo for a few days, mild swelling, tightness, light flaking or peeling in week one to two, and a dull, cloudy look in weeks two to four while the skin settles. Itching is normal — slap gently, don't scratch, and never pick the flakes.
What is NOT normal — when should I worry?
Spreading redness that grows past the tattoo, streaking lines from the site, hot skin, yellow or green pus, a foul odor, worsening pain after day three, or a fever. Those are signs of infection: contact us directly by email and seek medical care promptly. Don't wait it out.
How long until it's fully healed?
The surface usually looks healed in about two weeks, but the deeper layers take four to six weeks. Keep it out of pools, hot tubs, baths, gym equipment and direct sun for at least two weeks — and use sunscreen on it for life once it's healed.
If you have any questions or concerns about your aftercare, please feel free to email Black Cat!