Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
For optimal healing, follow these instructions closely and contact the studio with any questions.
Bandage Removal
● After 1-3 hours, using clean hands, remove the bandage.
● Wash the tattoo gently with unscented mild soap and warm water. Be sure all ointment
has been washed off your skin.
● After washing, blot the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.
● Let the tattoo air dry for 10-15 minutes before proceeding with further care.
Nighttime Care
● Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor ointment, then rebandage the tattoo with clean plastic
wrap. Repeat this process for the first 2-3 nights, ONLY AT NIGHT. This will prevent the
tattoo from drying out overnight.
● After 2-3 nights, discontinue using the ointment and do not rebandage the tattoo. Use
Curel fragrance-free skin lotion only and leave the tattoo unbandaged.
Daytime Care
● Using clean hands, wash the tattoo gently with unscented mild soap and warm water 2-3
times daily.
● After washing the tattoo, apply a thin layer of ointment for the first 2-3 days. After the first
2-3 days, switch to a small amount of Curel fragrance-free skin lotion.
● Rub the lotion into the tattoo until it has been fully absorbed.
● Use the lotion 3-4 times daily for 2 weeks.
● Your tattoo will start to peel like a sunburn – this is normal! DO NOT pick or scratch your
tattoo.
DO NOT use Neosporin or Bacitracin on the tattoo.
DO NOT pick or scratch the tattoo.
DO NOT submerge the tattoo in the bathtub, ocean, pool, hot tub, etc., while it is healing.
DO NOT touch the tattoo while it is healing other than to clean and moisturize it.
DO NOT expose the tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds while it is healing.
DO avoid strenuous exercise for the first 3 days to allow the tattoo to heal smoothly.
DO keep pets away from the tattoo while it is healing.
DO use sunblock to protect the tattoo after it has healed.
Please see a physician at the first signs and symptoms of infection or allergic reaction, including, but not limited to redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site.
If you have any concerns, you can contact Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564 or https://bouldercounty.gov/families/disease/body-art-program
Wild Vine Ink
3008 Folsom St, Boulder CO 80304
970-231-1055
Licenced by BCPH: 96-44295-70000
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions with Second Skin
Your tattoo artist has applied a medical-grade, waterproof, breathable tattoo bandage as a “second
skin” to help heal your tattoo. For optimal healing, follow these instructions closely and contact the
studio with any questions.
Days 1-4
● Keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. You may see some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under
the bandage – this is totally normal; leave it alone!
● If the bandage becomes compromised (i.e., leaking, peeling up, or exposing the tattoo), remove
it immediately. Continue to follow the instructions as listed and contact us with any questions.
● The shower is the ideal place to remove the bandage. Warm running water will help loosen the
adhesive and relax the skin. Dry removal may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.
● To remove, find an edge and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Discard the
used bandage.
● With your hands only (no sponges, washcloths, loofahs, etc.), wash the tattoo gently using
unscented mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue from your
skin. (Tip: To ensure the soap residue is fully removed, wet a paper towel with rubbing alcohol
and gently rub around the tattoo. DO NOT rub alcohol on the tattoo itself.)
● Blot the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and let it air dry for 10-15 minutes.
Days 5-20
● Leave the tattoo unbandaged.
● Using clean hands, gently wash the tattoo with unscented mild soap and warm water up to 2
times per day. (Do not overwash your tattoo.)
● After washing, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free skin lotion (Curel, Eucerin, Lubriderm, etc.)
until the lotion is fully absorbed into your skin.
● Use the lotion 3-4 times daily for 2 weeks, or as directed by your artist.
● The tattoo will start to peel like a sunburn – this is normal! DO NOT pick or scratch the tattoo.
DO NOT peel the bandage unless you intend to remove it.
DO NOT use Neosporin or Bacitracin on the tattoo.
DO NOT pick or scratch the tattoo.
DO NOT submerge the tattoo in the bathtub, ocean, pool, hot tub, etc., while it is healing.
DO NOT touch the tattoo while it is healing other than to clean and moisturize it.
DO NOT expose the tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds while it is healing.
DO avoid strenuous exercise for the first 3 days to allow the tattoo to heal smoothly.
DO keep pets away from the tattoo while it is healing.
DO use sunblock to protect the tattoo after it has healed.
Please see a physician at the first signs and symptoms of infection or allergic reaction, including, but not limited to redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site.
If you have any concerns, you can contact Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564 or https://bouldercounty.gov/families/disease/body-art-program
Wild Vine Ink
3008 Folsom St, Boulder CO 80304
970-231-1055
Licenced by BCPH: 96-44295-70000