Please ensure all instructions are followed closely to minimise damage to your new work of art!

REMOVING OCCLUSIVE BANDAGE (THIN, SELF-ADHERING BANDAGE)

1. Leave on the bandage that was applied by your artist for 3-5 days, unless instructed otherwise by your artist.  It is typical, and perfectly fine for blood, ink, and other fluids to collect under the bandage during this time. Until it is time to remove the bandage, be sure to not let shower water hit the bandaged area directly so the adhesive stays strong.
   *If your bandage starts peeling off and even partially exposes the tattoo to air, or if it leaks, remove the bandage as soon as possible with the steps below.  Follow the instructions in the next section for applying a new bandage.
2. Run a shower that is lukewarm.  Let the water saturate the bandaged area to loosen the adhesive sticking to the skin.  If there is adhesive residue on the tattoo, it can be gently removed over a period of one to several days using warm water and soap. 
3. Before removing the bandage, thoroughly wash your hands using a mild, unscented liquid soap with no dyes or harsh chemicals.
4. Slowly remove your bandage inch by inch under the water, being sure to start from the top and peel downward.
5. Once the bandage is off, lather the same soap in your hand so that it’s nice and foaming, and then gently clean the tattoo with your fingertips, removing the fluids that have collected on the area.  Do not exfoliate or scrub, or use any loofahs or washcloths.
6. Rinse the tattoo until all of the soap is off, and then step out of the shower.  To avoid contact with unnecessary germs, do not pat dry or use a bath towel. Let the tattoo air dry, or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.  If you are about to apply a new bandage, check with a clean hand that the bare skin around the edge of the tattoo is completely dry beforehand.
7. If you have completed your 3-5 day regimen with the occlusive bandage, move on to the “Bandage Applied With Tape” aftercare instructions.

APPLYING SECOND OCCLUSIVE BANDAGE (if instructed by artist)

1. Prepare the new bandage by peeling off the paper backing to reveal the adhesive side.  Be sure to center the bandage so that the entire tattoo is covered.
2. Gently apply the bandage using light pressure. For best results, make sure the body part is relaxed and in a neutral position. Remove the plastic top layer, leaving only the thin transparent barrier on the skin.
3. Wear this second bandage for 2 to 4 days maximum, depending on the size and placement of the tattoo and your own life activities. After that period, remove the bandage and clean the area as in Step 1.
   *If your bandage falls off or is no longer fully covering the tattoo, immediately follow the aftercare instructions below (“Bandage Applied With Tape”).

AFTERCARE (BANDAGE APPLIED WITH TAPE)

Remove wrapping once home, and gently rinse the tattoo with warm soapy water. do not use a harsh or scented soap. Pat dry with paper towel, then allow to dry for the remainder of the day.

Starting the next day, apply recommended aftercare (Dr Pickles, Bepanthen or similar) SPARINGLY to the tattoo with clean hands. Apply aftercare 1-2 times a day for the next 2 weeks, or as recommended by your artist.

Your tattoo will begin to dry and scab over. this is NORMAL and part of the healing process. do not pick or scratch at the tattoo as it is flaking.

Below is a list of things to avoid during the healing process. it is important to avoid all items/situations on this list as they can cause serious infection and damage to your new tattoo.

• Scratching, picking or rubbing at the tattoo.
• Contact with children, animals, unclean hands or dirty linens.
• Swimming in the ocean, spas, baths or any body of natural water
• Harsh soaps or chemicals
• Contact with saliva, blood or body fluids of any sort.
• Direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, grime or general unhygienic substances.
• Noxious plants.

Exposure to any of the items/situations listed above may cause serious bacterial infection or damage to the ink particles in your skin, causing disruption to the healing process and altering the structure/appearance of your tattoo.

If infection does occur, please contact your local GP immediately for the safest advice on medical treatment.

If any unrelated issues occur with the healing process of your tattoo, or you have any questions or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact either your artist or the shop via phone or email.