Aftercare

General Aftercare Tips (Both Methods)

Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo.
Wear loose-fitting clothes over the tattoo.
Refrain from exercising the area of your body that was tattooed.
Avoid Submerging/Soaking in Water: No swimming, saunas, hot tubs, or baths for 7-10 days.
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight during the healing process. Sunburns can severely damage your tattoo.
Once your tattoo has fully healed, remember to always wear sunscreen to protect your tattoo and limit fading!

traditional aftercare instructions

Initial cleaning (2–4 hours after):
- Wash your hands throughly before handling your fresh tattoo.
- Gently wash tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, antibacterial soap. (We recommend Dial or Dove)
Rinse and Air Dry Tattoo:
- Rinse and let your tattoo air dry for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before patting dry with a clean towel.
Apply Unscented Lotion:
- Apply a small layer of Aquaphor or Lubriderm on tattoo 3x Daily for 2 weeks.
- Less is more -A tiny dab of lotion can cover a large area on the skin. If the tattoo is shiny, you have likely applied too much. Over-applying makes the skin harder to breathe and slows the healing process.

Bandage/Second Skin Method: Dermshield, saniderm, etc.

1. Initial Bandage

Artist applies a second-skin bandage after the tattoo that stays on for several hours.

2.Removal and Cleaning

Wash your hands throughly with soap and warm water before handling your fresh tattoo.
Carefully remove the bandage at the corner away from the skin and stretch the bandage like a command strip to minimize discomfort.
Once it’s off, wash away any blood, plasma or excess ink using cold water.

3.New Bandage

Apply the new bandage provided by your tattoo artist and wear for 6 days.
Remove the bandage and begin washing the area with antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently pat dry.
Moisturize with a thin layer of Lubiderm or Aquaphor 2x daily for 30 days.

What is Saniderm?

Saniderm is a transparent, waterproof, breathable bandage specifically designed to protect new tattoos. It acts like a second skin, covering the tattoo to keep out dirt, bacteria, and other irritants while allowing your skin to heal properly. Saniderm helps lock in your body’s natural healing fluids while keeping the tattoo protected.

What is DermShield?

Recovery DermShield is a latex-free, transparent matte film adhesive bandage. It reduces the risk of scarring while preventing the exposure to dirt, bacteria and abrasion. This breathable bandage is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration so you can continue your daily activities.

Aftercare Instructions | Tattoo Bill's Charlotte

General Aftercare Tips (Both Methods)

traditional aftercare instructions

Bandage/Second Skin Method: Dermshield, saniderm, etc.

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