Black Atlas Studios | Official Tattoo Aftercare
Getting the tattoo is only half the process. How it looks in ten years comes down to how you take care of it over the next two weeks. Follow these instructions exactly.
Phase 1: The Tegaderm Bandage (Days 1–5)
To give you the best heal possible, I apply a complimentary Tegaderm (second-skin) bandage at the end of your session. This acts as a breathable barrier against dirt and bacteria.
Leave this bandage on for 4 to 5 days. While it is on, you do not need to wash or moisturize the tattoo. The bandage does the work for you.
What to expect while wearing it:
The "Ink Sack": Over the first 24-48 hours, liquid will build up under the bandage. This is a mix of blood, plasma, and excess ink. It will look like a muddy puddle over your fresh tattoo. This is 100% normal and keeps the tattoo hydrated. Leave it alone.
Showering: You can shower with the bandage on. It is water-resistant, but not waterproof.
Temperature Rules: Take warm showers, not hot. Hot water creates steam, and steam will melt the adhesive and cause the bandage to slide right off.
No Soaking: Absolutely no baths, pools, hot tubs, or swimming while the bandage is on.
When to take it off EARLY: Take the bandage off immediately if either of these two things happen:
It Leaks: If the liquid puddle reaches the edge of the bandage and leaks out, the airtight seal is broken. Bacteria can now get in. Take it off, wash the tattoo, and move to Phase 2.
Allergic Reaction: A little redness around the edge of the tape is normal. However, if the skin around the bandage becomes intensely red, raised, or severely itchy, you may be allergic to the medical adhesive. Take it off immediately and wash the area.
Phase 2: Removal (Day 4 or 5)
Do not rip this off dry like a standard band-aid.
Get in the shower and let warm water run over the bandage for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive.
Find a corner and pull the bandage down and away from the tattoo, stretching it parallel to your skin (like a Command Strip).
Once it is off, immediately wash the tattoo.
Phase 3: Traditional Healing (Days 5–14)
Once the bandage is off, the tattoo will start to dry out, flake, and peel like a sunburn. This is where your daily routine matters.
1. Washing (2-3 times a day):
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
Use a plain, unscented antibacterial liquid soap (Dial Gold or unscented Dr. Bronner's baby soap work perfectly).
Gently wash the tattoo using only your fingers. Do not use washcloths, loofahs, or sponges—they harbor bacteria.
Rinse with warm water, then splash with cold water to close the pores.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub, and do not use a bath towel. Let it air dry for 10 minutes.
2. Moisturizing (2-3 times a day):
Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a paper-thin layer of unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Aveeno, or Cetaphil).
Rub it in completely. Your tattoo should not look shiny or greasy. If you can see the lotion sitting on top of the skin, you used too much. Dab the excess off with a paper towel. Less is more. Over-moisturizing will drown the tattoo and pull ink out.
The Hard Rules (Do Not Do This)
Do not pick or scratch: The tattoo will peel and get very itchy. Do not scratch it. Slap it gently if it itches, or apply a tiny bit of lotion. Picking flakes will pull ink out and cause scarring.
Stay out of the sun: Keep the fresh tattoo completely out of direct sunlight for the first three weeks. Sunburn will destroy a healing tattoo. Once it is fully healed, use a high-SPF sunblock every time you are outside to keep the black and grey contrast looking sharp.
No swimming or soaking: No baths, lakes, pools, saunas, or hot tubs for at least 3 weeks.
Watch the gym: Avoid heavy workouts for the first week. Gym equipment is covered in bacteria, and excessive sweating can irritate the healing skin.
If you have any questions during the healing process, or if something doesn't look right, don't ask the internet—contact me directly at the studio.