Keep it clean

Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.

Avoid scrubbing or excessively touching the tattooed area to prevent irritation or disturbance of the forming scab.

Pat dry with a clean towel or let it air dry.

The only time I’ve ever had a bad reaction to getting tattooed was due to pet dander, so if you’re like me and allow your fur family in the bed, be sure to change your sheets and try to convince them to sleep elsewhere until the healing tattoo is no longer considered an open wound.

Leave it alone

Unlike earlier healing methods, the dry heal technique requires you to leave your tattoo uncovered once you have taken off the initial wrap.

This helps facilitate airflow and prevents moisture from getting trapped, which can lead to bacterial growth.

Avoid scratching or picking

As your tattoo heals, it's natural to experience some itching or flaking. However, resist the urge to scratch or pick at it, as this can disrupt the healing process and cause scarring. Instead, lightly tap or pat the itchy area to alleviate discomfort.

But what about Aquaphor?

Petroleum products are a little too thick for ideal tattoo healing and can clog pores, oversaturate the skin which can lead to heavier scabbing, which means there’s a higher chance of those scabs cracking which leaves a door open for nasty microbes to get in, and it can even pull ink out leading to uneven saturation and tones.

Your living canvas has been through worse trauma than the tattoo process, as we’re floating the ink with multiple needle groupings into the second layer of skin. Treat this like you’d treat a cat scratch (only no antibiotic creams!)

This doesn’t mean we don’t want to moisturize, once you start feeling itchy or notice the skin start to flake as the body sloughs off the last layer of skin, this is when you can use a light layer of a basic, unscented lotion to hydrate the dry skin.

If it’s still shiny from the moisturizer continue, with clean hands, or course, to massage the lotion into your skin.

Protect it from the Sun

Exposure to harmful UV rays can fade your tattoo and hinder the healing process. So, it's essential to shield your tattoo from direct sunlight, especially during the initial healing stages.

Opt for loose clothing or use a gentle, alcohol-free, dermatologist recommended sunblock while outside.

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial for healing from the inside out. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, which can aid in the healing process and prevent excessive dryness or itching.

Listen to your body

Although the dry heal technique has proven successful for many individuals, it's important to note that everyone's skin reacts differently.

If you notice any signs of infection, prolonged redness, excessive swelling, or other concerning symptoms, consult a professional or your healthcare provider immediately

Taking off the wrap

You can keep the Recovery Wrap on for 3-5 days. The longer, the better, as it will be completely sealed off from any bacteria getting in there, and the plasma that pools up underneath will speed up the healing process.

If you notice the wrap start to peel off close to the tattoo then it is time to bite the bullet and take the whole thing off. We don’t want there to be an door open for little nasties to get in with no antibacterial soap to prevent their entrance!

It is common for there to be a pooling up of blood, ink, and plasma, so if you’re as squeamish about it as I am then it would also be a fine time to take the wrap off. If you decide to power through that part (which is better for you) just be sure to leave it alone and whatever you do, don’t prick a hole to drain it. It defeats the purpose of having a barrier in place.