First and foremost thoroughly wash your hands before touching your tattoo or removing any bandage!

If you left the studio with Saran Wrap and absorbent pad, please remove within 2-3 hours after application. Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a very basic non-scented soap, rinse with warm water, and dry with a fresh paper towel. If provided, apply the second skin product
with instructions found below.

After washing and drying it’s now time to apply the second skin! There are three layers to the second skin product. The clear grid layer (black grid with yellow seam), the second skin in the middle, and the back layer (white with blank seam) protecting the adhesive on the skin itself. Start by removing the back layer, this exposes the sticky side of the skin so be careful to not let it fold back on itself. Now make sure that the tattoo is as dry as possible, then slowly smooth the sticky side onto your tattoo, if there are air bubbles it’s okay! The second skin will fill up with plasma/pigment so don’t worry about getting a perfectly smooth application. I generally cut the second skin a bit larger than the tattoo itself, so make sure you’re covering the entirety of the tattoo. Once it’s applied then you can remove the grid layer by peeling it back from its seam!

The above image is of a tattoo one week post 
application with a successful use of a second skin.

Leave the second skin on for up to 72 hours for best results, the fluid that builds up inside will be resorbed by your fresh tattoo kickstarting the healing process and it will reduce back down leaving behind black crustys, they look gross, but are totally normal!

To remove the second skin start by washing it in the sink or shower with warm soapy water as you slowly peel it downward off your skin. After it is removed gently wash the tattoo with a very basic non-scented soap, rinse with warm water, and then dry it with a fresh paper towel. The tattoo will become dry and flaky, similar to a sunburn. If it’s uncomfortably dry/tight you can lightly moisturize it with a very basic non-scented moisturizer, just make sure you do not double dip back into the moisturizer!

Within the first 3-4 weeks please,
Do not exfoliate
Do not pick or scratch
Do not overly moisturize
Do not swim or submerge
Do not expose to direct sunlight

I offer touch ups within the first several months of you getting work done by me, however if the tattoo was clearly not taken care of properly the shop minimum of $100 will apply to the touch up appointment.

Below are my recommended products to use during the healing process