• It typically takes 2-3 weeks for a handpoked tattoo to fully heal. When fully healed, the tattoo should have the same texture as the non-tattooed skin surrounding it.

• Do not swim until the tattoo is fully healed.

• Do not soak your tattoo for long periods of time until it’s fully healed.

• Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight. Once healed, use sunscreen or UV-blocking clothing to reduce fading over time.

• As your tattoo heals, it may itch. Do not scratch it. Do not slap it. To relieve some of the itching, place a cool, damp towel over the tattoo while it is bandaged, but do not rub it.

• If scabs form over your healing tattoo, let them fall off naturally. Do not pick or rub them off.

• Avoid contaminating your tattoo. Handle it only with clean hands. Avoid direct contact between the exposed tattoo and any unsanitary surfaces.

• Avoid wearing tight, scratchy, or rough clothing over the healing tattoo. This includes wool.

• Avoid putting direct pressure on your tattoo. When sleeping, position yourself in a way that keeps your tattoo out of direct contact.

• Wait for your tattoo to heal before engaging in intense exercise or rough physical activities. Stretching the skin repeatedly and excessively sweating can disrupt the healing process.

• When cleaning your tattoo, use a mild liquid hand soap like Dr. Bronner’s. Do not scrub or use any exfoliants. Instead, softly agitate the soap over your tattoo using your hands. Make sure to wash off any slimy substances from the tattoo. Allow the tattoo to air dry, or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.

If you are allergic to adhesives, please bring this to my attention so that we can use a non-adhesive dressing. Otherwise we will use Recovery Derm Shield: a light, latex-free, transparent matte film bandage that minimizes scabbing and scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. It is waterproof, but permeable enough to allow skin perspiration.

The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for at least 24-48 hours, depending on level of exudation. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.

Handpoked tattoos heal more quickly than machine tattoos, so most clients heal fine wearing only the first bandage. If desired, a second application can be used for several days, and a third application may be used if necessary. Gently clean and dry the area between applications. Do not wear any piece longer than one week.

To remove the bandage, pull it slowly and gently from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. Running warm water over the bandage can help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal more comfortable.

When wearing the bandage, if it starts to peel off and any part of the tattoo becomes exposed, remove the bandage, gently clean the tattoo, and replace the bandage or proceed to post-bandage aftercare.

If a rash or irritation occurs around or underneath the bandage, remove it immediately, gently clean the tattoo, and proceed to post-bandage aftercare.

Once you are done using the bandage(s), clean and dry the tattoo and keep it moisturized with one of the recommended aftercare products below. Apply multiple times per day as needed (with clean hands) until the tattoo is fully healed. Be careful not to apply too much, just enough to be absorbed by your skin. 

• Lubriderm (fragrance-free): Light, absorbs quickly, needs more frequent application

• 100% pure raw shea butter: Natural, thick, needs less frequent application

• Avoid petroleum-based products; they can clog pores.

• Do not use any scented products. Fragrance-free only.

• Do not use Neosporin, Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly, Aloe Vera, essential oils, or body oil.