Aftercare methods:
Dry Heal Method (plastic wrap or pads)
Take off the initial bandage when instructed. Generally next day.
- Wash two or 3 times a day for the first three days. Your tattoo is weeping blood, lymph and plasma to try to seal the wound. By washing it you're removing the excess that would solidify into a scab.
- First wash should be warm or hot water and soap to open up the pores and release anything all excess in the wound. Rinse with cold water to close up the pores and start the healing process.
- Do not use any lotion for the first three days or until its visibly dry. Moisture can keep wounds open longer, keeping the door open for bacteria. Think of how wearing a band-aid on your finger keeps cuts open due to the moisture.,By healing it dry, it's also less likely that it's going to stick to your clothing or have dirt from surfaces sticking to it.
- If you like your body heals quicker or you have drier skin, your timeline might be accelerated and might need lotion earlier.
- The first 3 days is when your skin is still open and susceptible to infections.
- If you must change the bandage on the first day, re-wrap with cling film if possible to sleep the first night. This will prevent it from sticking to your bedsheets or clothes. If your tattoo sticks, try to detach it by soaking the clothing in warm water and carefully unstick it.
- Once the skin starts feeling tight and looks dry, generally around the third day you can start using lotion. I personally use cocoa butter lotion but literally any (preferably unscented) lotion will do. Anything a bit more liquid will be easier to apply.
- 7-10 days is the normal amount of time for peeling. It could take longer depending on your body.
Adhesive Bandage (Saniderm, Second skin, Tegaderm etc).
- You can keep the bandage on for 3 to 5 days.
- You don't have to keep it on if its uncomfortable, causes any pain or discomfort.Keep an eye on the edges of the bandage for irritation.
- Your bandage is waterproof so showers are not a problem.
- Your tattoo is at its most irritated at this moment, it should go down from here on.
- There might be pooling of fluid inside the bandage. This is normal and not necessary to drain.
- Day 3 is a generally a good day to take it off.
- We recommend taking a hot shower to remove the bandage, as the adhesive in it is fairly strong so use the water to your advantage to peel it off (don't pull it off)
- If the bandage starts coming off and exposing parts of the tattoo, remove the whole thing.
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water to remove any adhesive still there.
- Non-scented soap is best, but most soaps are antibacterial and will work.
- Once the skin starts feeling tight and looks dry, generally around the third day you can start using lotion. I personally use cocoa butter lotion but literally any (preferably unscented) lotion will do. Anything a bit more liquid will be easier to apply.
- Use a THIN layer of lotion when your tattoo looks dry.
- Do not over-moisturize, it can cause pimples on your tattoo.
- Dont pick at the peeling, let it do its thing.
A longtime commitment to improvement in the Tattoo Industry.
Co-owner Killian Moon has dedicated a large portion of his career to researching, writing and presenting seminars in the US and Central America on various tattoo design and technique related subjects.
🌞Understanding Melanin
A thorough exploration on tattooing on melanated skin based on a decade of work in Latin America and 5+ years in Atlanta. His high contrast approach and understanding of color theory through the filter of skin has been the subject of many podcasts including: Fireside Tattoo Podcast and recurring appearances on Guy Aitchison's Reinventing the Tattoo, and featured speaker at Paradise Tattoo Gathering.
🌞The business of Large-scale : Speed and Efficiency
Comprehensive study of the modern business of tattooing. Killian explores and elaborates on what makes a successful career for large scale tattooing. Giving attendees the information and tools to manage their business better, learn to sustain economic independence and streamline their business to provide a better work/life balance.
Deconstruction of modern tatttoing: A thesis (2015)
This seminar aim to separate modern tattooing into manageable aspects of design and construction. By approaching tattoo design as a scientific process, Killian dissects and explores contrast, color and design theory to help you further your visual language, create a better images and approach design in an easier way.