TATTOO
AFTERCARE
Tattoo Aftercare is crucial for ensuring your tattoo heals properly. Once you leave the shop it will be your responsibility to maintain your new tattoo and ensure it is properly healing. Please follow these instructions and reach out to your artist if you have any questions or concerns.
Dermal Wrap
After your tattoo has been cleaned, the artist will wrap your new piece in a DERMAL WRAP which is a self-adhering wrap. The brand used most often at the Black Bison Tattoo Studio is called RECOVERY, however, there are other dermal wrap brands that may be used such as Second Skin, Tegaderm, Saniderm, View Guard, and more.
After the Dermal wrap is applied, leave the wrap on for 4 to 6 days, allowing the natural body fluid to accumulate in the wrap. Do NOT drain fluid from the dermal wrap or remove it. This natural fluid is called plasma and is rich in white blood cells that fight off infection and trigger the body's immune response and healing.
After the 4 to 6 days, you will remove the dermal wrap and we highly recommend you do this in the shower. Once the wrap is removed and with clean hands, you will clean your tattoo with antibacterial soap and hot water. Then you will pat dry your tattoo with a disposable paper towel or air dry. Do NOT vigorously rub during cleaning or drying.
After you have allowed your tattoo to dry for 20 minutes, apply artist provided ointment, skin grade coconut oil, natural salve, or unscented Lubriderm. You will clean your tattoo as described above, twice a day for 1½ to 2 weeks.
NOTE:If your dermal wrap loses its adhesiveness and separates from the skin at the edges, becomes dry under wrap, or starts to leak fluid, please reach out to your artist so they can advise you on how to proceed.
Classic Method
In some cases, the artist may choose to use the Classic Healing Method on your tattoo. This may be due to skin type or potential for an allergic reaction to the dermal wrap or if your dermal wrap is removed prematurely.
If using the Classic Method, the artist will wrap your tattoo in plastic wrap and the next morning you will remove the plastic wrap in the shower.
Once the wrap is removed and with clean hands, you will clean your tattoo with antibacterial soap and hot water. Then you will pat dry your tattoo with a disposable paper towel or air dry. Do NOT vigorously rub during cleaning or drying.
After you have allowed your tattoo to dry for 20 minutes, apply artist provided ointment, skin grade coconut oil, natural salve, or unscented Lubriderm. You will clean your tattoo as described above, twice a day for 1½ to 2 weeks.
DO THIS
- 01Use disposable products for cleaning and drying your tattoo
- 02Only touch your tattoo with clean hands
- 03Use skin grade coconut oil or natural salve
- 04Use antibacterial soap
- 05Listen to the instructions your artist gives you
PRO TIP: Clean your tattoo twice daily for 1½ to 2 weeks. Allow it to air dry for 20 minutes before applying any ointment.
DO NOT
- 01Leave wrap on longer than instructed
- 02Let pets touch or lick tattoo
- 03Let children (or adults) touch your tattoo
- 04Pick at your tattoo — it will be evident if you do so
- 05Share natural salve with anyone, including family members
- 06Use Aquaphor or any petroleum-based salve or product
- 07Listen to your friends or other advice on how to heal your tattoo
- 08Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight
- 09Apply sunscreen to tattoo before 2 weeks
- 10Swim for at least 2 weeks
WARNING: Petroleum-based products interrupt the healing process by filling in pores and not allowing your tattoo to "breathe". This can lead to ingrown hairs and/or ink extraction.