Tattoo Aftercare

    • IF YOU HAVE AN ADHESIVE SENSITIVITY PLEASE LET US KNOW FOR ALTERNATIVE AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

    • Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. It will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation, and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing. It will also protect your clothes, sheets, and love ones from coming in contact with excess ink, blood, or fluid that are normal byproducts of a healing tattoo.

    • Instructions- Leave the Tegaderm on for 1 to 2 days. Do not lift it, change it, or remove it. If the edges begin to peel or any leaking occurs, you may reinforce the bandage with tissue and tape along the edge that is leaking. If the bandage is lifted enough to expose any of the actual tattoo immediately remove the entire bandage and begin to dry heal. You can perform all of your usual activities (excluding exercise). While the tattoo is covered with tegaderm be sure not to bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel the covering off. Showering will not affect tegaderm; it is somewhat waterproof. Try to avoid getting your bandage in water directly for the first two days as it may start to loosen before desired removal. You can otherwise shower normally while healing. Do not go swimming or fully submerge it in a bath until your tattoo is fully healed.

    • Removal- After two days allow the bandage to soak in a hot shower for a few minutes and carefully peel it off. This is the best way to soften the adhesive. Do not quickly tear it off as this can cause skin irritation. After removing the tegaderm rinse the tattoo thoroughly with lukewarm water, and wash using unscented antibacterial soap (Dove, Dial, ect.). Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin. While doing so, do not use any wash clothes, sponges, or brushes. Pat dry with a clean towel. After removal the skin should be shiny and dry. Proceed to care for your tattoo according to your usual routine or refer to further aftercare instructions available at darkhearttattoo.com

    • At first sign of infection, seek physician or (for mouth tattoos) dental consultation.

    • Please don’t hesitate to call us or stop in with any further questions 815-893-4655. Congratulations on your new tattoo!!!

    • You’ll receive this bandage usually if you have a sensitivity to medical tapes or adhesives.

    • Wash your hands before touching your new tattoo.

    • Remove your bandage after 2 or 3 hours and gently rinse off any excess ointment with lukewarm water. If your bandage sticks to your skin, do not pull it. Simply hold it under running water and it should easily come off.Wash your hands before touching your new tattoo.

    • Wash your tattoo gently with your fingers twice a day using an unfragranced, undyed, mild bar soap such as Ivory or Dove. Do not scrub your tattoo with a washcloth.

    • Let your tattoo air dry or pat it gently with a clean towel to dry.

    • Make sure your sheets are clean and you wear something loose-fitting, such as an old clean t-shirt in case there is any ink seepage. If your shirt sticks to your tattoo, simply hold it under running water and it should easily come unstuck.

    • Tattoos heal like a bad sunburn. Allow them to get dry and flake off. This is totally normal.

    • If your tattoo develops a hard scab or starts cracking or bleeding, feel free to use a thin layer of plain white hand lotion to ease any irritation.

    • Do not over-moisturize. Apply moisturizer once or twice daily, as needed. Do not use heavy skin lotions until your tattoo is fully healed (approximately 3-4 weeks, may vary).

    • No heavy soaking, swimming, or tanning for approximately 3 weeks after getting tattooed.

    • When your tattoo is healed, use a sunscreen (SPF 70 or above) to keep the tattoo looking vibrant.

    • If your tattoo needs a touch-up, simply come to the shop and talk to the artist who did the tattoo. Please wait at least 1 month after receiving the tattoo to schedule a touch up so that the tattoo has time to fully heal.

    • We guarantee our tattoos unless they are on your hands or feet, in which case you may receive one free touch up 2 months after the initial tattoo.

  • At first sign of infection, seek physician or (for mouth tattoos) dental consultation as soon as possible.

Take care.