Aftercare Instructions
Healing Time:
Average: 10-14 days.
High average: 2-4 weeks
Products Needed: Fragrance-free liquid soap & Fragrance-free lotion
Clear Medical-Grade Bandage (Saniderm)
- Leave bandage on for 3 to 4 days.
- Beneficial body fluids mixed with excess ink under the bandage is normal, expected, and will wash away.
- You can shower like normal – but no baths. Extended warm showers potentially could loosen adhesive.
- High-motion areas may cause edges to curl, which can be trimmed or secured with medical tape.
- However, if the tattoo becomes exposed/has access to air, or if fluid is leaking outside of the bandage – remove clear bandage and begin the standard aftercare routine in the next paragraph.
- You can exercise – but listen to your body and modify or avoid certain movements if uncomfortable.
- Sweat can potentially loosen adhesive.
Standard Aftercare & Removing Bandage:
- After 3 to 4 days, remove clear bandage with warm water and clean hands.
- Coconut oil or baby oil can help remove any residual adhesive on your skin if necessary.
- Wash entire area with a fragrance free liquid soap and cool water.
- Make sure to completely rinse off area and allow area to fully dry.
- Apply a pea-size amount of lotion with clean hands. Less is more. For best results, avoid anything containing petroleum.
- Wash tattoo 2-3 times a day and apply lotion with clean hands 3-5 times a day for 10-14 days or until healed.
- Avoid over-washing and over-moisturizing – this could delay the healing process.
- Your healing tattoo needs to breathe, do not re-bandage area.
Other Important Mentions:
- Avoid direct sunlight/sunburn to your healing tattoo.
- Use sunscreen on fully-healed tattoos to protect from future fading.
- No submerging/soaking until your tattoo is completely healed – this includes baths, pools, lakes/oceans, hot tubs, ect.
- Avoid unsanitary surfaces and unnecessary touching of the tattoo.
- Be aware that exposure to pet hair and/or dander should be avoided until tattoo is healed.
- If any scabs occur, let them come off on their own. Scratching/picking at them will remove additional ink.
- If your clear bandage comes off early, leaks, or you opt out of using it – be aware that during the first 24-48 hours, a fresh tattoo produces natural bodily fluids mixed with ink that can stain clothing/bedding.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Collective Studios Ink at 248-963-2903.
In addition, you should seek medical attention if the tattoo site becomes infected or painful; or if you develop a fever shortly after being tattooed. Signs of infection may include pain, redness, swelling, rash, discolored discharge at the site of the tattoo, or a fever.
You may be allowed to donate blood within the standard deferral period if you present a copy of your client record provided by the body art facility to the blood donor facility.