Aftercare
Caring for your new tattoo
Congratulations on your new tattoo. Follow these instructions and healing should be quick and straightforward. If your artist gave you different instructions, follow your artist.
Tattoo aftercare instructions from Soul Kraft Ink
Medical disclaimer
This guide is general education, not medical advice, diagnosis or a guarantee of how your skin will heal. Follow your artist’s instructions for your specific tattoo, and contact a qualified clinician promptly if you have concerning symptoms.
Derm Shield aftercare
- Derm Shield helps protect the tattoo from bacteria and other elements for the best possible healing.
- Keep the Derm Shield on for 3–5 days. You can shower with it on; try not to soak the area too much, as that weakens the adhesive. Avoid taking baths.
- You will see a buildup of blood and plasma mixed with ink under the Derm Shield. This is perfectly normal.
- When you are ready to take the shield off, get in the shower and let warm water run over the tattoo for a couple of minutes to help break down the adhesive, then slowly peel the Derm Shield away.
- After removing the Derm Shield, gently wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap, then pat dry or air dry.
- Apply a very thin layer of the suggested aftercare ointment 2–3 times a day for 2 weeks, until the tattoo is fully healed — no more peeling, dry or cracked skin.
- Do not pick or scratch the tattoo at all; this can damage it while it heals.
- Keep the tattoo out of saltwater, chlorine and prolonged sun exposure for at least 4 weeks.
- Do not re-bandage the tattoo after the initial bandage is removed, unless your artist tells you to.
- Suggested aftercare lotion: Lubriderm.
Standard aftercare — first 2–3 hours
- Leave the bandage on for 2–3 hours, and until you are somewhere safe and clean to remove it and clean the tattoo.
- Before cleaning or touching the tattooed area, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Carefully remove the bandage without force. Do not pull the bandage upwards. Some excess colour may come off on the bandage; this is normal.
- If it sticks, wet the bandage and gently pull it off so as not to damage any scabs or dry areas.
- After removing the bandage, cleanse the area with mild soap and water. Gently rub with fingertips to remove plasma. Do not scrub the tattoo. Pat dry with a clean, dry paper towel.
- Let the tattoo air dry completely for at least 10 minutes.
- Apply a thin layer of ointment. We have aftercare available, and Aquaphor is also acceptable. Pat any excess ointment away with a dry paper towel — too much ointment can cause breakouts.
- Do not apply a new bandage after the first one is removed.
Days 3–5
- Continue to cleanse the tattoo for 3–5 days and apply ointment 3–4 times a day.
- Do not allow the tattoo to become dry. If a scab forms, do not pick it — let it heal on its own.
- Your tattoo will start to peel about 3–5 days later. At that point switch to a fragrance-free lotion or gentle moisturiser such as Lubriderm, as needed, until it is completely healed.
- Itching is expected. Never pick, scratch or peel it; this may result in loss of colour.
General healing
- Tattoos take 3–4 weeks to fully heal.
- Once healed, moisturise regularly to keep the skin soft and the colour bright.
- Avoid swimming and sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.
- Sun exposure can damage a tattoo — always use a sun block with strong SPF when you are outdoors.
Do not use
- Vaseline or petroleum jellies
- Soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs
- Medicated ointment such as Neosporin
- Iodine, peroxide or alcohol-based solutions
Things to look out for
- You may experience some slight swelling, redness and discomfort around the site.
- Promptly consult a health care provider if you notice unusual draining, excessive bleeding, excessive pain or discomfort, or excessive swelling, redness or skin that is hot to touch.
Questions about healing? Call 732-988-1353 or text 908-520-8574. Studio: 1315 Memorial Drive, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712.