Ethereal Ink Collective - Tattoo Aftercare

Removing Bandage

Keep the bandage on for a MINIMUM of 6 hours to allow time for leakage.

• For Second Skin: We recommend keeping it on overnight to 3 days after being provided the dressing, as long as it still feels comfortable and secure.
• For Drylock: We recommend keeping it on for the 6 hour minimum to overnight.

Cleaning Instructions

Please only use UNSCENTED ANTIBACTERIAL soap and UNSCENTED lotions on your new tattoo!

DO NOT use soap or lotion with fragrance, moisture beads, or any scrubs!

Clean your tattoo 2-3 times a day as needed for the next 2-3 days after removing your bandage.

1. Make sure your hands are CLEAN before touching your fresh tattoo. (It is an open wound, please treat it as such.)
2. Carefully remove the bandage/tape — DO NOT force it off or be rough with it, this may damage the tattoo!
   • To remove Second Skin, start at an edge and pull the bandage away from the tattoo in a parallel fashion (similar to removing a Command Strip).
   • ASK your artist to clarify if needed!
   • If the bandage sticks to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and attempt to gently remove it.
3. Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. DO NOT use washcloths, bath towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo!
   • Gently clean the tattoo until all the blood, ointment, and plasma is removed.
   • Rinse the tattoo gently.
   • Pat dry with a CLEAN towel or paper towel, then allow it to fully air dry.
   • Remember: NO SCRUBBING!!!
4. Once the tattoo is dry:
   • Apply a very small amount of unscented lotion.
   • Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo, dabbing off any excess with a clean paper towel.
   • We recommend NOTusing petroleum-based ointments (e.g., Aquaphor, Vaseline, etc.)
     • If you decide to use a petroleum-based ointment, we cannot guarantee your tattoo will heal correctly.
     • If you do use a petroleum-based ointment/lotion, only use a SMALL amount and spread it VERY thinly. Gently rub it into your tattoo, dabbing off any excess with a clean paper towel.

Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine

• Apply the fragrance-free ointment/lotion of your choice 1-3 times a day (remember to keep it light!) for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake/peel like a sunburn.
• When the peeling begins, you are in the home stretch!
• After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy and begin to form flaky scabs. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT IT!!!
• Moisturize as needed, especially if it starts to get itchy.
• Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks, if cared for properly.
• Reduce the number of your daily lotion applications if you notice your skin breaking out.

⚠ NO SUN, NO SWIMMING OR SOAKING IN WATER FOR 2-3 WEEKS!