Tattoo Aftercare Advice
Your artist will walk you through the important steps of caring for your tattoo, and will happily answer any questions that you have. We also have aftercare instructions to take home after your appointment. If any questions come up after your visit with Birdhouse, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or your artist.
Once your tattoo is finished and given a few final wipe downs, your artist will ask if you have any sensitivities to medical adhesive tape, and if you feel comfortable/have a preference on getting your tattoo covered with dermal film (often referred to as Second Skin or Tegaderm). Follow the steps below depending on which bandage option you choose:
Healing with dermal film
The beauty about dermal films (also known as “second skin” or by brands such as Saniderm or Tegaderm) is that you can keep your bandage on your tattoo for up to 4 days (or at minimum 24 hours). Because of its ability to protect your tattoo for several days, you should expect some buildup of ink and fluids underneath your bandage — this is totally normal.
However, if the fluid underneath leaks through your bandage, you will need to remove it and ideally replace it with a new one (if your artist provided you with a second bandage). If there is a break in the seal, this can invite bacteria to your new tattoo, which is why it’s advised to remove it.
Once a few days have passed, and you’re ready to remove your bandage, we highly recommend taking it off in the shower. The warm water will loosen the adhesive and also wash away any build-up from your healing tattoo. We recommend loosening the film around the parameter of your tattoo first, then pull the film straight down, hugging close to your skin (very similar to removing a Command Strip). Once your bandage is fully removed, make sure to clean your tattoo with warm water and soap. Continue to clean your tattoo a few times a day (preferably with antibacterial soap), then pat dry with a clean towel.
Healing with medical absorbent bandages
If your skin is sensitive to adhesives, you might prefer a more traditional way of bandaging, by using an absorbent pad wrapped with sports tape. Keep this bandage on for 3 to 12 hours (whichever suites your comfort level) and then wash with warm water and soap. Follow our instructions for the following two weeks of healing your tattoo.
Healing post bandage
While your tattoo heals and begins to dry, apply an unscented, natural moisturizer of your choice (as needed). Most essential oils in all-natural moisturizers are okay for tattoos, however, it’s best to choose products with as little as possible.
Your tattoo will start to feel itchy as it goes through the healing process, but it’s very important to not pick at your tattoo! As tempting as it might be, scratching or picking away scabs will cause uneven healing, pigment loss, and very possibly an infection.
During the 2-3 weeks of healing time, do not submerge your tattoo in water for prolonged periods of time - this includes bathtubs, swimming pools, oceans, rivers, hot springs, saunas, slip ‘n’ slides, etc.
Also, try avoiding strenuous exercising, or other activities that will result in heavy sweating, for the first few days after your appointment. The gym can wait a few days — you deserve it!
Sunlight will damage a freshly healed tattoo, so remember to apply sunscreen for a minimum of 6 months after your appointment, and if you plan on keeping the lines crisp, sunscreen is now your best friend.
Post healing care
Our artists offer a complimentary touch-up session within six months after your appointment for normal fading that can occur during healing.
*This free service does not include adding on to the design or fixing work that was not properly taken care of per our care instructions (i.e. exposure to sun or water before healing was complete).
