TRANSPARENT BANDAGE AFTERCARE
Experience hassle-free tattoo aftercare with our medical-grade, breathable, waterproof transparent adhesive bandage. Engineered to allow for the best healing possible, this bandage minimizes risks associated with other healing methods. It reduces the chance of airborne contaminants, shields against shear and friction, and helps the body maintain moisture, eliminating the need for frequent washing and topical applications. The result is a safer, smoother, and more efficient tattoo healing experience.
It is recommended to follow these aftercare instructions throughout the entire healing process, which typically takes 2-3 weeks for the topmost skin layers and up to 6 months for full healing. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to United Tattoo directly.
Removal of your bandage!
United Tattoo is proudly licensed by the El Paso County Health Department and fully supports health department regulations to protect the health of our customers. We are committed to ensuring that clients in Colorado Springs and Fountain, Colorado, receive safe and professional body art services.
How to apply your new bandage
Prioritize hand hygiene! Locate an edge of the bandage and peel it back in the direction of hair growth. Opt for removing the bandage in the shower for added comfort, as running water eases adhesive detachment and skin relaxation, preventing potential discomfort and trauma during dry removal. Dispose of the used bandage.
Initiate the process by washing your hands. Gently remove the bandage, then cleanse your tattoo with lukewarm water multiple times a day, utilizing a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap to minimize infection risks. Use your hands instead of abrasive tools like a washcloth. If your tattoo feels slippery, carefully eliminate excess plasma to avoid scab formation. Allow your tattoo to air dry or gently pat it with a paper towel—remember, only touch it after washing your hands. If considering reapplication of a bandage, apply the product exclusively to the tattoo, avoiding contact with surrounding skin, as the bandage adheres poorly to wet or moist skin.
DO NOT apply any ointments or lotions to your tattoo unless explicitly directed by your artist. Customize the bandage by cutting and trimming it to fit around the tattoo, ensuring an additional inch around all sides. (Tip: Rounded edges enhance adherence and comfort.) Peel the paper wrapping from the sticky side first, gently placing it over the tattoo. Once the adhesive side is secured, remove the see-through second layer and smooth the bandage over the tattoo. Keep the new bandage on for 3-6 days unless your artist advises otherwise.
If the skin shows signs of irritation, fluid buildup, or if the bandage is loosening prematurely, it's acceptable to remove it sooner. Avoid reapplying bandages once the tattoo enters the scabbing or flaking phase. If you find yourself without a bandage during this period, ensure thorough moisturization of the area. For any adhesive residue, or if water alone isn't sufficient, coconut oil and baby oil can aid in removal.
Long-term Aftercare
Maintaining personal hygiene is important during your healing process. While showering is acceptable, it's advisable to minimize the time spent in the shower and avoid saturating your tattoo. Prolonged exposure to water can compromise the adhesive of the bandage, increasing the risk of infection by allowing unwanted contaminants to enter. Pay attention to water temperature as excessive heat can separate the bandage, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo. Activities like bathing, swimming, or fully submerging the tattoo in transparent adhesive bandaging are strongly discouraged. Light exercise with the bandage is acceptable, but activities leading to excessive sweating should be avoided. Keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it's time for removal.
Caring for your tattoo after the removal of your bandage!
After removing the final transparent bandage, continue caring for your tattoo by gently washing it multiple times daily with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap to prevent infection. Avoid using abrasive materials like washcloths—your hands are the best tools. If your tattoo feels slippery, gently remove as much of the plasma as possible, as dried plasma can form scabs. Let your tattoo air dry or gently pat it dry with a paper towel. Always ensure your hands are clean before touching your tattoo.
Apply a thin layer of the recommended tattoo aftercare product, ointment, or a fragrance- and dye-free lotion to keep your tattoo moisturized. Use sparingly—a light layer promotes faster healing. After the first few days of using an ointment, we suggest switching to an unscented lotion to aid the healing process. While the tattoo may look healed on the surface after removing the transparent bandage, the deeper layers of skin will continue healing for 2–4 months. A consistent moisturizing routine during this time is essential.
Our transparent bandage is designed to support this process. Continue applying aftercare moisturizer 2–3 times daily for two weeks, or until the tattoo is no longer peeling, dry, or cracked.