Cleaning tips and instructions from Raleigh’s premier tattoo shop

Our favorite: Tegaderm. Tegaderm is a product that is a clear non-absorbent bandage. It is impermeable to pathogens and water; however, oxygen is passable. The result is that your tattoo gets to use your body‘s natural healing powers (blood and lymph), but is thoroughly protected against infection. Tegaderm is available at CVS and Amazon.com. If you have received a large tattoo, or will be having many sessions, we recommend you purchase a 4-inch wide roll on Amazon.

2 to 3 hours later, repeat this process. You may wrap your tattoo in saran wrap for the first night to protect yourself from sticking to your sheets. As soon as you wake up wash your tattoo thoroughly to remove any build up that has accumulated over night.

Repeat every 2 to 3 hours until 36-48 hours has passed since you got your tattoo. If you are a heavy bleeder, then it might be a good idea to wait the full 48 hours.

Prior to your last washing before you apply the Tegaderm, cut the Tegaderm into the size needed to cover your tattoo fully, plus 1 inch outside of any area with broken skin. Also overlap any pieces patched together by 1 inch. This is important to avoid infection.

Wash your tattoo as usual removing any extra lymph and blood. Allow to air dry.

Remove the opaque protective barrier on the Tegaderm. Apply to your tattoo. Then remove the clear protective barrier on top. Repeat until fully covered. It is important that when you put the Tegaderm on, your body is in the position it rests in. For instance, if your tattoo is on your arm, and your arm is held up when you put the Tegaderm on, the Tegaderm will in a way hold your arm in that position. Be sure it is put on when your body is in a relaxed state for comfort. Don’t be afraid to ask someone else for help to ensure it is put on properly. If enlisting the help of another, be sure they thoroughly wash their hands before assisting you.

Unless you notice signs of infection, it is imperative that you leave the Tegaderm on for six days. Removing it early can disturb the healing scabs, resulting in color loss.

If you are allergic to adhesives, we do not recommend Tegaderm! We recommend that you follow the standard protocol, which is to follow the first three steps listed above. Once 48 hours has passed, simply leave your tattoo alone. You may apply lotion once or twice a day if your skin is dry. Please do not confuse healing flakiness as dryness, because over moisturizing can cause problems with color retention.