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Aftercare
At the end of your appointment, we likely decided on one of two healing methods: Derm Shield (second skin bandage) or natural healing (absorbent pads). Both methods work beautifully when instructions are followed carefully.
Healing properly is just as important as the tattoo itself — it protects your color, preserves detail, and ensures the best long-term result.
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Option 1: Derm Shield (Second Skin Bandage)
Dermshield Healing
Showers are fine, but keep them under 15 minutes and avoid very hot water.
Avoid tight clothing or friction across the tattoo.
Do not work out or sweat heavily while wearing the bandage. You may resume workouts after removing it.
Do not submerge the tattoo (baths, pools, ocean) until peeling is fully complete (usually 2–3 weeks).
Avoid prolonged sun exposure (limit to 30 minutes at a time).
If the bandage leaks, tears, peels off, feels very dry, itchy, “crunchy,” or causes burning or irritation — remove it.
Removal is easiest in the shower:
Let warm water run over the bandage for about 15 minutes.
Slowly lift the edges and gently peel in the direction of your pull (similar to removing a command strip).
Use mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water to help loosen the adhesive.
Be patient — removal can take up to 30-40 minutes depending on placement.
Wash your hands.
Gently rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or air dry.
Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.
Around day 3–4, your tattoo will begin to peel or flake.
During this stage:
Clean at least twice daily (or more if needed).
Switch to a small amount of unscented lotion after washing.
Moisturize lightly throughout the day if itchy.
Always wash hands before applying product.
Avoid regular bath towels — use paper towels or air dry.
Do not scratch, pick, soak, or expose to direct sun.
Wear loose clothing over the area.
Do not apply sunscreen until fully healed.
If you work out, clean with soap afterward and air dry.
Healing typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on placement and size.
If you notice:
Excessive redness even a day or two after the session
Swelling and pain after two days from session
Tattoo feels hot to the touch a day after the tattoo and does not bet better
Thick scabbing
Water "burns" the tattooed area
Yellow or green discharge
You notice an allergic reaction
Please contact me immediately. I’m always happy to answer questions and help troubleshoot!
DO NOT:
*work out for the first 3-4 days after your tattoo session;
*submerge your tattoo, no hot tubs, pools, baths;
*pick up peeling skin, scratch your tattoo;
*expose your healing tattoo to the sun for longer than 30 minutes OR put sunscreen on it, it can cause bad healing (to protect your tattoo from the sun, cover up with a loose flowy outfit or stay indoor or in the shade);
*put too much ointment on your healing tattoo, suffocate it - it needs oxygen to heal.
PLEASE DO:
*moisturize your tattoo even after it's healed, the more hydrated your skin is the brighter your tattoo will look;
*put sunscreen on your tattoos after they heal up to preserve their vibrance;
*let me know how your tattoo healed, send a photo or stop by. Seeing healed tattoos helps me to learn and to create good work!
*let me know if you need a touchup or if you have any questions;
*refer your friends and family if you enjoyed your experience!
*please leave a Google review to help Live Easy get discovered by more people!
Touch-ups are a normal part of the process, especially with color work or depending on how the skin heals.
I’m happy to provide complimentary touch-ups as long as you reach out within 6 months of your appointment and book your touch-up during that time. This allows us to address any small areas that may need a little extra attention once the tattoo has fully healed.
Please note that touch-ups are intended for minor adjustments related to normal healing. If a tattoo requires additional work due to improper aftercare or poor healing practices, the touch-up may need to be treated as a new session.
Additionally, second layers over color cover-ups are not considered touch-ups. Cover-ups often require an additional session to fully saturate the color and achieve the desired result. This is a normal and expected part of the cover-up process.
If you feel your tattoo could benefit from a touch-up once it has fully healed, feel free to reach out with a clear photo of the tattoo in natural lighting, and we can determine the best next step!
Option 2: Natural Healing (No Derm Shield)
Natural Healing
Leave the pad on for up to 4 hours.
After removing, wash gently and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor.
You may lightly rewrap with a clean pad for the first night.
If comfortable, you may continue lightly covering at night on day 2 or 3.
For the first 3–4 days:
Wash the tattoo 3–4 times daily with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor after each wash.
Around day 3–4, peeling and flaking will begin.
At this stage:
Clean at least twice daily.
Switch to a small amount of unscented lotion.
Moisturize lightly throughout the day if itchy.
Always wash hands before applying product.
Use paper towels or air dry — no regular towels.
Avoid scratching, picking, soaking, or direct sun exposure.
Wear loose clothing.
Do not apply sunscreen until fully healed.
If you work out, clean the tattoo afterward and air dry.
Healing usually takes 2–3 weeks, depending on placement, your skin and size of the piece.
If you notice:
Excessive redness even a day or two after the session
Swelling and pain after two days from session
Tattoo feels hot to the touch a day after the tattoo and does not bet better
Thick scabbing
Water "burns" the tattooed area
Yellow or green discharge
You notice an allergic reaction
Please contact me immediately. I’m always happy to answer questions and help troubleshoot!
DO NOT:
*work out for the first 3-4 days after your tattoo session;
*submerge your tattoo, no hot tubs, pools, baths;
*pick up peeling skin, scratch your tattoo;
*expose your healing tattoo to the sun for longer than 30 minutes OR put sunscreen on it, it can cause bad healing (to protect your tattoo from the sun, cover up with a loose flowy outfit or stay indoor or in the shade);
*put too much ointment on your healing tattoo, suffocate it - it needs oxygen to heal.
PLEASE DO:
*moisturize your tattoo even after it's healed, the more hydrated your skin is the brighter your tattoo will look;
*put sunscreen on your tattoos after they heal up to preserve their vibrance;
*let me know how your tattoo healed, send a photo or stop by. Seeing healed tattoos helps me to learn and to create good work!
*let me know if you need a touchup or if you have any questions;
*refer your friends and family if you enjoyed your experience!
*please leave a Google review to help Live Easy get discovered by more people!
Touch-ups are a normal part of the process, especially with color work or depending on how the skin heals.
I’m happy to provide complimentary touch-ups as long as you reach out within 6 months of your appointment and book your touch-up during that time. This allows us to address any small areas that may need a little extra attention once the tattoo has fully healed.
Please note that touch-ups are intended for minor adjustments related to normal healing. If a tattoo requires additional work due to improper aftercare or poor healing practices, the touch-up may need to be treated as a new session.
Additionally, second layers over color cover-ups are not considered touch-ups. Cover-ups often require an additional session to fully saturate the color and achieve the desired result. This is a normal and expected part of the cover-up process.
If you feel your tattoo could benefit from a touch-up once it has fully healed, feel free to reach out with a clear photo of the tattoo in natural lighting, and we can determine the best next step!
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