Traditional Method:
- You can wait up to but no longer than 5 hours to give your tattoo its first wash. When you get home or somewhere with the proper materials, wash it.
- With clean hands and a mild antibacterial soap, like liquid pump Dial or Dove, get a good lather going in your hands with warm water.
- Gently massage the surface area of the tattoo to remove all blood and plasma until it feels completely clean.
- Pat dry with a paper towel. DO NOT use any cloth towels as they harbor bacteria.
- Let your tattoo air out for about 15 minutes before applying a thin layer of Coconut Oil or the organic salve we sell in the shop: Griffin Salve
- Repeat this process 3-5 times a day, using Griffin or Coconut Oil each time.
- Once your tattoo begins to flake, usually on the 5th day, refrain from washing as much. Maybe once or twice daily. You may then use an unscented lotion like Lubriderm or Curel or continue to use the Griffin/Coconut Oil as needed.
- Once all the flakes have fallen off naturally (usually within 7-10 days), you may resume your everyday lifestyle.
Dermshield Method:
After the bandage is applied:
- Leave the Dermshield bandage on your tattoo for up to but no longer than 5 days. Usually by the second or third day, there is a significant amount of fluid collecting inside the bandage, this is normal. It is a collection of blood, plasma and ink that will be re-absorbed. If the bandage starts to peel off on its own due to wear and tear, enough to begin exposing your tattoo, you will need to remove the bandage. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE, and refer to the traditional method of healing. If your bandage should merely bust a leak and your tattoo is not exposed, you can patch the leak with medical tape or contact your artist to patch it for you.
- You will know it is time to remove the bandage when most of the fluid has been absorbed and it feels dry and tight inside. To remove the bandage: You will need antibacterial soap like liquid pump Gold Dial. Use water clean hands to soap the edges until you get a corner peeled up. Gently pull down on that corner while using soap lather to assist in releasing the bandage. Do not attempt to dry-peel off the bandage.
- After the bandage is removed, wash with a mild antibacterial soap like liquid pump Dial or Dove and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Air out the tattoo for a good 15 minutes before applying Coconut Oil/ Griffin or a mild unscented lotion like Lubriderm or Curel to the tattoo to assist with any dryness.
- There may be some mild flaking in the near future after this, although most clients experience very little to none. Essentially the tattoo is usually healed at this point. However, continue using the above listed moisturizers twice daily or as needed for dryness/itching.
Troubleshooting:
- Call your artist at any time if you have any concerns or questions.
- Although Dermshield is essentially waterproof, it is not recommended that you should swim or submerge your tattoo in water, of any kind, for long periods of time.
- Do not tan while your tattoo is healing. After it is healed, use sunblock or spf to protect your tattoo from the sun and keep your colors bright and vibrant.
- Do not use any products not pre-approved by your artist. We guarantee your tattoo with a free touch up, therefore, you should follow our instructions.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing over your tattoo while it is healing or any abrasive materials.
- Never pick or scratch your tattoo. Let flakes fall off naturally.
- If you notice pain, pussing, or fever, please contact your artist and consult a physician!
