Aftercare Instructions

Standard Aftercare Instructions

Your tattoo will be wrapped before you leave

Ensure that you remove the wrap within 1-2 hours. Do NOT leave wrap on for more that 1-2 hours. After removing, gently wash the tattoo with a gentle, fragrance-free soap (Dove, Dial, etc.).

Wash the tattoo twice a day with your fragrance-free soap and warm water. Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel, or air dry. Do not use bath towels as they can harbor bacteria. Apply a fragrance free lotion such as Lubriderm, Curel, Aveeno, etc. Only use a thin layer of lotion as needed for dryness or irritation (about 2-3 times per day). You may notice that the tattoo is becoming dry, scaly, and itchy - this is a normal part of the healing process! Do not pick at any scabs and do not scratch at your tattoo - this can disrupt the healing and may cause pigment loss. 

Once the scabbing phase is over, your tattoo is fully healed! Please use an SPF 40 sunscreen or higher to preserve the quality of your tattoo.

Recovery Derm/Saniderm Instructions

Your tattoo will be bandaged before you leave

I recommend leaving the bandage on for 3-5 days. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but the bandage should be removed if there is any leakage or if the tattoo itself is exposed. If the skin appears irritated, please remove the bandage.

To remove the bandage, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of your natural hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove the bandage. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of the bandage may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.

Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild fragrance-free soap. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel. If there is adhesive residue leftover on the skin, or the adhesive is not loosening enough with water, coconut oil or baby oil are helpful for removal.

Begin using a fragrance free lotion (i.e. Curel, Lubriderm, Aveeno, etc.). Apply thin coats 2-3 times per day.

Do not pick or scratch at any scabs - this could damage the tattoo and may result in pigment loss.

Once the scabbing phase is over, your tattoo is fully healed! Please use an SPF 40 sunscreen or higher to preserve the quality of your tattoo.

Please follow aftercare instructions carefully to ensure the proper healing of your tattoo ♡

Just some things to keep in mind during the healing process:

  • Your tattoo is an open wound and should be treated as such in order to prevent infection.

  • The average healing time is 14 days or approximately two weeks.

  • Only use clean paper towels on your healing tattoo. Avoid using bath and/or terry cloth towels.

  • Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo.

  • Once healed, make sure to use an SPF 40 or higher sunscreen to preserve the longevity of your tattoo.

Restrictions while healing:

  • No direct sunlight

  • No swimming, hot tubs, or bath tubs

If you have any questions at all during the healing process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I want to make sure you have a smooth healing process and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I provide a free touch up within the first year as well!

You can message me on Instagram or Facebook @shelbystattoos or send me an email at shelbystattoos@gmail.com