Tattoo Aftercare Guide (Canada)

Getting a new tattoo is exciting—but proper aftercare is what keeps it looking clean, vibrant, and well-healed. Follow these steps to make sure your tattoo heals properly.

Bandage & Second Skin

If a regular bandage is applied, leave it on for 4 to 5 hours.

If second skin is applied, leave it on for 3 days. If second skin is compromised with a tear, hole, leakage, or the tattoo is exposed in any way, remove it immediately.

Your second skin may fill with ink and plasma—this is normal and will reabsorb, so do not compromise the second skin to drain it.

Removing Your Bandage

Take off the bandage or second skin and wash thoroughly with fragrance-free soap and water. Make sure to wash all the Vaseline or adhesive off the skin.

Peel second skin off in the shower, pulling in the same direction as your skin slowly. Do not rip it off like a bandaid away from the skin.

Tattoo Aftercare Routine

Once your bandage or second skin is removed, follow this routine:

• Pat dry with a clean towel

• Let it dry out until the following day around dinner time

• Make sure to clean it in the morning and use clean sheets to sleep on

Start applying Glysomed Unscented (white bottle) sparingly 3 to 5 times a day.

Clean 2–3 times a day gently with soap and water.

What Not To Do After a Tattoo

• No picking or scratching

• No swimming, long showers, or baths

Questions?

If you have any questions at all, message us. Please don’t Google it or ask your friends and family—everyone is a tattoo expert!

How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal?

Enjoy your piece. It will take about 2 weeks to heal, and then you can resume swimming and normal activities.

Looking for a tattoo in the Comox Valley / Vancouver Island? Book with us here.

Have other questions about the tattoo process? Check out our frequently asked questions.