This page is all about my recommended tattoo aftercare. It will guide you through the best practices of tattoo aftercare which are extremely important for a perfectly healed tattoo.
I recommend you read it all, but you can also jump through each section by clicking below:
Aftercare Method #1
Aftercare Method #2
Important instructions
Lifetime care
Tattoo aftercare is the process of care you need to take as soon as you get your tattoo. This includes the initial most crucial period of healing within the first 2-3 weeks, as well as maintaining it over the years.
The way you take care of your tattoo is extremely important, it contributes significantly to the quality of the healed tattoo.
Tattoo aftercare methods will vary somewhat depending on various factors and various artists.
Your tattoo artist knows what’s best to heal their work so it is important you listen to your artist very carefully and follow their instructions.
If you don’t understand some parts of it, feel free to ask them for clarification so you get it right.
I utilise 2 main methods for tattoo aftercare that work very well for most people. You can choose between them what you are most comfortable with.
Aftercare method #1 includes the use of Z Wrap adhesive tattoo bandage for 6-7 days. A set-and-forget approach to aftercare that also speeds up the healing process.
Aftercare method #2 includes the most generic process without the repetitive use of bandage – good for people who are allergic to adhesives or simply dislike the bandage.
Once your tattoo is finished it will be cleansed thoroughly with Z Wash and dressed with Z Wrap adhesive tattoo bandage.
Z Wrap adhesive tattoo bandage protects your tattoo from friction and provides a waterproof, antibacterial barrier that prevents pathogens and external contaminants from entering the wound. In short, it keeps your tattoo effortlessly clean!
This bandage is breathable, flexible and hypoallergenic. It will greatly reduce scabbing, risk of infection, stops rubbing on clothes and other external factors that typically damage a healing tattoo.
The initial bandage can be left on the skin for 8-24 hours depending on the amount of fluids that build up.
For more information please visit their website www.zootattoo.com.au
Your next steps will depend on if you are using Aftercare Method #1 or Aftercare Method #2 to heal your tattoo.
Aftercare Method #1
DAY 1
You should keep your initial Z Wrap bandage on for 8-24 hours before changing it over (the exact time frame will vary depending on the amount of fluids the tattoo exudes – it varies from person to person).
During this time it is very normal and expected to see ink and plasma trapped inside the bandage, but if there’s lots of it that means it’s time to change the bandage over.
Even if the bandage looks clean after 24 hours, you must remove it, wash your skin and apply a new bandage (see instructions below).
ALLERGIES: Are very rare, but if you experience abnormal skin irritation/rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, please remove the bandage and switch to aftercare method #2.
IMPORTANT: Z Wrap should never be used on infected skin. NEVER replace Z Wrap with cling film!
DAY 2
Change over bandage instructions.
Step 1 – Remove bandage & wash.
Get in the shower and let some warm water run over the bandage for a while, it will help the wrap come off a bit easier. See video for how to peel it off correctly:
https://www.zootattoo.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-apply-z-wrap-adhesive-tattoo-bandage
Very gently wash your skin with plain cool water, you can also use fragrance-free soap if you want.
Do not scrub or rub your tattoo harshly or expose it to hot water when you wash it. There shouldn’t be any slimy fluids visibly left on your skin when you’re done.
Step 2 – Dry your skin.
Never rub your tattoo dry (rubbing can tear the skin and cause scarring), gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel or a fresh towel, then let it air dry for an additional 10-15 minutes. Don’t leave it more than 30 minutes to dry before applying the new bandage.
Step 3 – Cream & new bandage.
It is optional to apply cream before the new bandage is applied. Please see recommended creams.
If using cream, very gently apply a tiny amount in a very thin layer, just in the centre of the tattoo (it will spread out on it’s own). Too much cream will cause the bandage to fall off and will cause healing issues.
It may be best to get a helper to apply the new bandage for you, for instructions on application of Z Wrap please visit: https://www.zootattoo.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-apply-z-wrap-adhesive-tattoo-bandage
Step 4 – Contact
Email me an update pic of the newly wrapped tattoo so I can track your progress.
Note: If you have excess sweat or fluid building up again after changing it over, you may need to drain the bandage or remove and re-apply a new piece. A little bit of fluid is perfectly fine and good for healing. But please do not leave your tattoo swimming in lots of fluid.
DAY 3-7
Leave your bandage on until day 6-7.
Do not remove the bandage between day 3-5 – you may pull ink out.
Note: If you are typically a slow healer, anemic, or have iron deficiencies please wrap until day 7. You can leave it on until day 8 to play it safe.
Note: It is normal for your bandage to dry out and feel super tight and crispy around day 5-7, please don’t remove the bandage early!
If you experience friction burn (redness around the edges of the bandage) simply pull the wrap away from it slightly so it stops pulling. Don’t itch the friction burn or it will get a lot worse.
Please email me an update pic of the tattoo while it’s still wrapped on day 6-7 right before removal so I can track your progress.
Follow the same instructions from Day 2 when removing the bandage and washing the tattoo.
This time, after you remove the bandage, do not re-wrap with anything. Leave the skin alone for a few hours before applying any creams. Read Day 6-14 below for cream application instructions.
DAY 6-14
Once you have removed your Z Wrap bandage, you should start using small pea-sized amounts of aftercare cream 1-3 times a day, depending on how dry your skin is. Your tattoo must be dry and your hands must be clean before applying the aftercare cream – never apply cream to wet skin!
While the tattoo is dry and flaking/scabbing/peeling, it is very important to use a little amount of cream multiple times a day. Less cream is better than too much. Do not smother the tattoo in cream, this will cause ink to fall out. A good indicator there isn’t enough cream is if you see the skin cracking and it appears very dry.
Once the peeling is fully finished (no flakes/peeling/scabbing at all), you can apply as much cream as you want, can use any brands you like, and start applying sunblock whenever you expose the tattoo to the sun.
Some recommended creams are Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion, Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion, Redwin Sensitive Skin Sorbolene Moisturiser, Z Balm (from ZooTattoo), Hustle Butter Deluxe. Any moisturisers that are fragrance-free, lightweight and have natural ingredients are best.
Don’t use Bepanthen, vaseline petroleum jelly, aloe vera, paw paw ointment or anything petroleum based or seems sticky/thick/heavy in consistency, when in doubt please ask!
If you are using creams you already have, please ensure this is something that has worked well for you in the past. Check they aren’t expired, old or contaminated – keep in mind jars are a greater risk for bacteria growth than tubes or bottles with pumps. Be careful what you use, it’s an open wound.
Click HERE for important instructions and read thoroughly!
Click HERE for lifetime care and read thoroughly!
Aftercare Method #2
DAY 1
You should keep your initial Z Wrap bandage on for 8-24 hours before removing it (the exact time frame will vary depending on the amount of fluids the tattoo exudes – it varies person to person).
During this time it is very normal and expected to see ink and plasma trapped inside the bandage, but if there’s lots of it that means it’s time to remove the bandage.
ALLERGIES: Are very rare, but if you experience abnormal skin irritation/rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, please remove the bandage immediately.
DAY 2
Bandage removal instructions.
Step 1 – Remove bandage & wash.
Get in the shower and let some warm water run over the bandage for a while, it will help the wrap come off a bit easier. See video for how to peel it off correctly:
https://www.zootattoo.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-apply-z-wrap-adhesive-tattoo-bandage
Very gently wash your skin with plain cool water, you can also use fragrance-free soap if you want.
Do not scrub or rub your tattoo harshly or expose it to hot water when you wash it. There shouldn’t be any slimy fluids visibly left on your skin when you’re done.
Step 2 – Dry your skin.
Never rub your tattoo dry (rubbing can tear the skin and cause scarring), gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel or a fresh towel, then let it air dry for at least an hour before applying any cream.
Step 3 – Apply cream.
Read Day 2-14 instructions below for recommended creams, application tips and further instructions.
DAY 2-14
Once you have removed your bandage, you should start using small pea-sized amounts of aftercare cream 1-3 times a day, depending on how dry your skin is. Your tattoo must be dry and your hands must be clean before applying the aftercare cream – never apply cream to wet skin! Always be very gentle applying cream, don’t rub it in heavily and be extra careful around scabs/peeling.
While the tattoo is dry and flaking/scabbing/peeling, it is very important to use a little amount of cream multiple times a day. Less cream is better than too much. Do not smother the tattoo in cream, this will cause ink to fall out. A good indicator there isn’t enough cream is if you see the skin cracking and it appears very dry.
You should keep applying cream regularly after the tattoo is done peeling, this will help the skin repair and the tattoo settle faster.
Once the peeling is fully finished (no flakes/peeling/scabbing at all), you can apply as much cream as you want, can use any brands you like, and start applying sunblock whenever you expose the tattoo to the sun.
Some recommended creams are Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion, Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion, Redwin Sensitive Skin Sorbolene Moisturiser, Z Balm (from ZooTattoo), Hustle Butter Deluxe. Any moisturisers that are fragrance-free, lightweight and have natural ingredients are best.
Don’t use Bepanthen, vaseline petroleum jelly, aloe vera, paw paw ointment or anything petroleum based or seems sticky/thick/heavy in consistency, when in doubt please ask!
If you are using creams you already have, please ensure this is something that has worked well for you in the past. Check they aren’t expired, old or contaminated – keep in mind jars are a greater risk for bacteria growth than tubes or bottles with pumps. Be careful what you use, it’s an open wound.
The tattoo needs to be open all the time once the bandage has been removed, and it must be kept clean. If the tattoo is weeping fluids, make sure you wash the tattoo as necessary with cool water and fragrance-free soap. Do not wear clothing over the tattoo while it’s weeping fluids, keep it open.
You need to avoid your tattoo coming into direct contact with bedsheets/pillows as well as your home/office upholstery until it’s done weeping fluids.
Click HERE for important instructions and read thoroughly!
Click HERE for lifetime care and read thoroughly!
Important instructions
For the first 2-3 weeks while healing:
- To help with the initial swelling and warmness, you can use ice packs 10 minutes on/10 minutes off. Only do this while your tattoo is protected by Z wrap bandage and place a cloth between the ice pack and your tattoo. Elevating the tattoo (if possible) also helps reduce swelling.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs for the first few days.
- If you have a very labour intensive job, please have the first week off work.
- If you are getting colour realism on the hand, wrist, or foot, please have the first week off and avoid using that body part as much as possible.
- Always clean your tattoo with luke-warm or cool water, do not use very warm or hot water.
- Do not get your tattoo wet frequently or soak tattooed skin in any kind of water for extended time– just quick washes as necessary. If you are using second skin (z wrap), do not leave it swimming in lots of fluid.
- No swimming in pools or beaches. No saunas.
- Keep the tattoo clean. Avoid touching it unnecessarily.
- No sun on the tattoo – the colours will fade.
- No picking or scratching the tattoo – let the scabs come off on their -own. If you pull off scabs it can cause ink loss in that area.
- No exercise or rough contact sports. Avoid doing anything that makes you sweat until your skin is completely finished peeling.
- No tight clothing or accessories directly on the tattoo (eg: tight waist bands/bra straps/watches) this can rub/stick and cause damage and ink loss. No additional bandages or tapes that are tight or rub on the tattoo (you should use Z wrap only). You can wear clean loose sleeve, cotton shirt or something similar that is breathable as a protective layer when necessary, but try to keep it open as much as possible.
- Keep your pets, kids and anyone else away from the tattoo – if they come into contact, wash the tattoo immediately if it’s not protected already by Z wrap bandage.
- Avoid sleeping on it.
- Keep hydrated – it keeps your skin moist and healthy.
- Eat good foods, add more protein to your meal and lots of green veggies. If your body is healthy your healing will be much better and you will recover much faster.
Lifetime care
This is as important as your initial aftercare. If you want to maintain good contrast, sharpness and vibrance, you have to take care of your tattoo. This applies after all peeling/flaking/scabbing is fully finished.
Important points to remember:
- Moisturise your skin a few times a week at least – do it daily if you have dry skin. This will help restore your skin and keep your tattoo looking bright, fresh and beautiful. Dry skin will cause your tattoo to look very dull. Keeping hydrated will also help the moisture levels in your skin.
- Keep your tattoo out of the sun and use an SPF50+ sunblock on the tattoo any time you expose the tattoo to sunlight. Sun damage will greatly effect the longevity of your tattoo.