Aftercare is an incredibly important part of the tattoo process and can affect healing time, efficacy of healing, loss of pigments, and risk of infection. PLEASE perform your aftercare diligently and carefully to protect your body and your art investment! Never hesitate to reach out if you have questions about aftercare, I'm here for you.​

​

Derm Shield Instructions

​

1. I will apply an adhesive Derm Sheild bandage at the end of our appointment. If you have adhesive allergies and we decide not to use Derm Sheild, please follow the Hustlebutter instructions at the end of this page.

2. You can shower with the Derm Sheild on, just do your best to avoid direct water pressure, gently wash around the bandage, and pat dry afterwards. 

3. Take the Derm Sheild bandage off after 3-4 days. The tattoo will weep fluid for the first few days and this is completely normal. If fluid is leading out of the bandage or if the bandage is compromised in any way such that it is no longer protecting your full tattoo, remove the bandage and follow the Hustle Butter instructions at the end of this page. 

4. To remove bandage, peel from top to bottom in the direction of the growth of your hair. It can help to do this in the shower while the bandage is wet, although this is not required. 

5. Once bandage is removed, wash with unscented antibacterial soap. I prefer to use unscented Dial Gold hand soap. No need to scrub, just gently wash with your fingertips then pat dry with a clean paper towel.

6. Once dry, put a thin layer of unscented lotion. I recommend Lubriderm or Dr. Bronners unscented salve. 

7. Moisturize 2-3x a day (or whenever it feels dry) until healed, about 2-3 weeks from getting your tattoo.

8. Your tattoo is likely to feel itchy at some points during healing, PLEASE DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO until it is fully healed (4 weeks +). Instead, moisturize to relieve the itchiness. 

9. Continue to moisturize for 6 months-1 year for optimum healing.

10. If you have any questions during the healing process, please feel free to reach out to me at kyleshritattoo@gmail.com.

​

• No soaking/swimming for an absolute minimum 3-4 weeks, I personally wait 4 to be safe.

  Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 2-3 days (1-week, if possible)

• Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks, after this time use sunscreen!

• No heavy sweating (working out) when Saniderm is on.

• The Derm Sheild bandage is water resistant, but I recommend quick showers for the days that you have the bandage on.

 

Hustle Butter/Aquaphor instructions

(alternative approach - if you are using Derm Shield, please ignore this section)

​

If you are unable to use Derm Shield due to an adhesive allergy, if your bandage is removed prematurely, or if your tattoo is in a place does not allow an adhesive to be used effectively, please follow these instructions. 

​

1. I will apply a covering to your tattoo before you leave. Please leave this covering on for 2-4 hours.

2. Before removing the covering and each cleaning, WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY. 

3. After removing the covering, wash the tattoo gently with unscented antibacterial soap. I recommend Dial Gold hand soap. After washing, pat dry with a clean paper towel and wait 3-5 minutes for any left over moisture to evaporate.

4. Once dry, apply a VERY light layer of either Hustle Butter, Inkeeze or Aquaphor. I recommend either Hustle Butter or Inkeeze which can be ordered online. Aquaphor can be found at your local drug store, however some artists are now avoiding Aquaphor because it is a Petrolatum-based product (this is a somewhat controversial opinion and up to your discretion). Regardless of what ointment you use, it is most effective when you don't use very much. You want to use just enough to keep the area from drying out. Feel free to dab off excess ointment with a paper towel, until there is just enough for the area to have a slight shine. There should not be a visible layer of ointment on top of the tattoo.

5. Clean and moisturize with this process 2-3 times daily for the first 5-6 days of healing (or until your tattoo has completely peeled). 

6. Be sure not to pick at or scratch any scabs or flakes of ink that begin to come off as the tattoo heals. These will naturally fall off when they are ready, during the cleaning process. 

7. After your tattoo has peeled, switch from ointment to an unscented lotion such as Lubriderm. Continue to clean the tattoo before applying lotion for the entirety of the healing process. A full heal could take anywhere from a few weeks to over a month. The tattoo is considered fully healed when it is no longer raised to the touch. 

8. If you have any questions during the healing process, please feel free to reach out to me at kyleshritattoo@gmail.com.

​

• No soaking/swimming for an absolute minimum 3-4 weeks, I personally wait 4 to be safe.

• Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 2-3 days (1-week, if possible)

• Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks, after this time use sunscreen!

• Take short showers and avoid direct water pressure on the tattooed area.