DUALITY TATTOO
Post Tattoo Care
The internet is filled with many different recommendations on how to care for your tattoo, here is a few different routes on what we collectively recommend for an optimal heal for your tattoos! There is a bunch of information on this page, but if you have any questions regarding anything, please reach out to the shop or your artist.
Using Saniderm
Saniderm has many names, you've probably heard it referred to as Second Skin, Dermshield, Recovery- and more. Saniderm is a medical-grade, transparent, breathable, and waterproof tattoo bandage that helps the healing process by protecting a new tattoo from dirt, germs, and other bacteria. We as a shop use the brand "Hexderm."
After your tattoo, your artist will properly ensure that the areas is clean from all soaps, ointments, and excess ink/plasma prior to putting on the Hexderm. We recommend that the first piece stay on for a minimum of 24 hours and can stay on for up to 3-4 days!
If you notice that a large amount of plasma is gathering underneath the bandage, do your best to ensure the bubble does not pop. If you need to change your initial Hexderm, please contact your artist to arrange to come in to properly change out your bandage for a new one!
IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WITH THE HEXDERM:
- Excessive redness, signs of reaction
- You plasma/ink leaking OR water getting under the Hexderm
- Overall discomfort in the area of the Hexderm
TAKE IT OFF ​
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When taking off the Hexderm, first and foremost ensure you have clean hands! Go into the shower and find a weak edge and slowly peel the Hexderm down and away from you, DO NOT rip the bandage off as it can negativity effect the skin around the tattoo. After you remove the Hexderm, follow the below cleaning instructions:
Using "Tattoo Armour"
​Tattoo Armor is another brand of bandage we like using to heal tattoos. Tattoo Armor is a bandage that requires mindfulness as it is not as "sealed" as Saniderm is. This alternative bandage is better suited for those with sensitive skin types and larger color projects- as it's easier to monitor the healing process. ​Linked below is the brands website with step by step instructions on care.
Before touching your new tattoo, your hands are clean !
Once you have removed any form of bandage:
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1.With clean hands, lather up any brand of UNSCENTED soap and gently clean your tattoo; be sure to use the pads of your fingertips to softly work the soap into the tattoo to ensure you are cleaning the wound!
2. Gently rinse with warm water!
3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel, and allow the tattoo to air dry for a good moment before applying any form of moisturizer.
* You can over clean a tattoo, usually two-three times a day is plenty to ensure it is clean from day-today activites. ​
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We typically recommend using a lidocaine free Aloe Gel for the first day or two. after your session. Aloe allows the skin to soak the moisture it needs without suffocating the ability for the wound to breathe as all excess aloe will evaporate.
Once you notice that your skin is craving more than aloe, find your favorite brand of fragrance free lotion and apply pea sized amounts of lotion until there is just enough to hydrate the skin. Too much moisturizer of any kind can effect the tattoo in many ways! Be mindful!
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