The absorbent bandage placed over your tattoo serves a specific purpose so leave it on until at least the next morning. Your tattoo may be sore, possibly throbbing, but there is nothing to be concerned of as it was cleaned and thoughtfully handled. As long as nothing has interfered with your bandage, you should be fine.

When you’re ready to take off the bandage, make sure your hands are clean and carefully take off the adhesive tape under warm water to loosen the glue from your skin. Use mild antibacterial soap to clean off any blood or ink remaining on your skin and gently pat dry. You may regret using your bath towel for this so use a clean paper towel instead. Allow your tattoo to air dry completely and always avoid touching it with your hands in the first few days.

For the first week you can use an ultra-thin layer of Aquaphor (or similar low- petroleum healing product) applied with clean hands. Use a paper towel to pat off any extra ointment so that all that remains is virtually unnoticeable. It is essential that you do not block your pores while your tattoo heals. Moisture promotes bacterial growth so your tattoo should be able to breathe, staying mostly on the dryer side. Repeat this once in the morning and once at night. We recommend sleeping in sheets and clothing that are not precious as ink may discharge during this period, staining them.