Proper aftercare is essential for healing your tattoo correctly and preserving the quality of the work. Please follow the instructions below based on how your tattoo was bandaged.

If you ever have questions or concerns during healing, contact the shop.

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

OPTION 1: TRADITIONAL BANDAGE AFTERCARE

FIRST 2–4 HOURS
    •    Leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours
    •    Remove the bandage gently
    •    Wash your hands before touching the tattoo

FIRST WASH
    •    Wash the tattoo using lukewarm water
    •    Use a mild, fragrance-free soap
    •    Gently clean with your hand (do not scrub)
    •    Rinse thoroughly
    •    Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let air dry
(Do not use cloth towels)

FIRST 3–5 DAYS
    •    Wash the tattoo 2–3 times per day
    •    Apply a very thin layer of recommended aftercare ointment
    •    Tattoo-specific ointment or plain, fragrance-free lotion
    •    The tattoo should not look wet or shiny
    •    Wear clean, loose clothing

PEELING & ITCHING (NORMAL)
    •    Peeling usually starts around day 3–5
    •    Itching is normal — do not scratch
    •    Do not pick or peel flaking skin
    •    Continue light moisturizing as needed

WEEKS 2–4
    •    Switch fully to a light, fragrance-free lotion
    •    Moisturize as needed
    •    The tattoo may look dull or cloudy — this is normal

OPTION 2: SECOND SKIN (DERMAL BANDAGE) AFTERCARE

FIRST 24 HOURS
    •    Leave the Second Skin bandage on for 24 hours
    •    Some fluid buildup under the bandage is normal
    •    If the bandage leaks excessively, remove it and follow traditional aftercare

REMOVING SECOND SKIN
    •    Wash your hands
    •    Remove bandage under warm running water
    •    Gently peel from the edge, pulling parallel to the skin
    •    Do not rip it off dry

AFTER REMOVAL
    •    Wash tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap
    •    Rinse thoroughly
    •    Pat dry with paper towel
    •    Apply a light layer of fragrance-free lotion

HEALING WITH SECOND SKIN
    •    Wash and moisturize 2–3 times per day
    •    Peeling may be lighter or delayed
    •    Do not reapply Second Skin unless instructed by your artist

DO:

✔ Keep your tattoo clean
✔ Moisturize lightly
✔ Wear loose, clean clothing
✔ Let the tattoo heal naturally

DO NOT:

✘ Submerge in water (no pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, or ocean) for 2–3 weeks
✘ Expose tattoo to direct sunlight
✘ Pick, scratch, or peel
✘ Apply petroleum jelly, alcohol, or scented products


SUN CARE (AFTER HEALED)

Once fully healed:
    •    Use a high-quality sunscreen
    •    Sun protection preserves contrast and longevity


SIGNS TO CONTACT US OR A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
    •    Excessive redness spreading beyond the tattoo
    •    Severe swelling or pain
    •    Yellow or green discharge
    •    Fever or chills

Some redness and soreness are normal — trust your instincts.

IMPORTANT DO’S & DON’TS

FINAL NOTE

Every body heals differently. Following these instructions closely gives your tattoo the best chance to heal clean and look its best long-term.

Thank you for trusting Stay Cool Tattoo.