When it peels
Once the tattoo starts to peel and flake like a sunburn, feel free to use lotion. Apply a minimal amount and make sure it is completely rubbed in. No product until it flakes.
Aftercare · Buzzards Bay, MA
How to take care of your new tattoo
Get it clean. Get it dry. Then leave it alone.
First thing
The bandage
Remove the bandage after 2–3 nights, or the following morning. If your artist told you something different for this piece, follow that.
Once a day
Wash
It is not important to wash the tattoo more than once per day. Hands only.
- Do not use a washcloth or a bar of soap directly on the tattoo.
- Lather with soap and water and wash the tattoo with your hand.
- Wash the area until it feels like the rest of the skin.
- If it is still slimy or gooey, keep washing until all of that is gone.
- Once the area is washed, rinse the tattoo.
Here is the important part
Get it dry
Each time you wash the tattoo, get it back to dry. If it is not dry and you put clothes on it, the tattoo will stay wet under your clothes all day.
- Dry the tattoo off completely.
- Give it a minute to weep any fluids.
- Dry it off again.
- Repeat these steps until the tattoo is completely dry.
- Once the tattoo is dry, you are done for the day.
Later
When it flakes, and the sun
Sun
Do not expose the new tattoo to direct sunlight while it is healing. After the tattoo is healed, use SPF 45 or better sunblock so the colors stay bright and crisp.
Water
Water is fine while the second-skin bandage is on. Once it’s off, avoid soaking the tattoo: no baths, pools, ocean or hot tubs while it heals.
Allergic to the bandage adhesive? Use Saran Wrap overnight instead, and keep the tattoo out of water except for washing.
From the shop
What we recommend
Ask us at the shop. Your artist’s notes for your piece win if they differ.
Wash
Dial Gold, or any fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Hands only. No bar of soap on the tattoo. No washcloth.
When it flakes
Hustle Butter Deluxe or After Inked, or an unscented lotion — Lubriderm, Aveeno, or CeraVe lotion, not cream-heavy. Thin layer, fully rubbed in. No product until it flakes.
After it’s healed
SPF 45 or better sunblock. That keeps the colors bright and crisp.
For home
Stock up before you come in
The everyday stuff that makes healing easy. Grab what you don’t already have.
As an Amazon Associate, Diamond Mind Tattoo earns from qualifying purchases.
Gentle soap
Dial Gold liquid hand soap, or any fragrance-free gentle soap. Hands only.
Fragrance-free soap
If you’d rather skip the antibacterial, a mild unscented wash works too.
Hustle Butter Deluxe
What we use and stock at the shop. For when it flakes, a thin layer rubbed all the way in.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
If you like an ointment feel once it flakes. A thin layer, rubbed in. A little goes a long way.
Unscented lotion
For when it flakes. Lubriderm, Aveeno or CeraVe lotion, a thin layer rubbed all the way in.
Paper towels
Clean paper towels for patting it dry. Easier than a shared bath towel.
Plastic wrap
Allergic to the bandage adhesive? Saran Wrap overnight instead.
Ink Beetle Derm Gel
An adhesive-free gel that dries into a clear film. Ask your artist if it’s a fit for your piece.
Hion film bandage
Waterproof second-skin sheets in lots of sizes, if your artist says to re-cover.
Film bandage roll
A 6-inch roll of waterproof film you cut to size, if your artist says to re-cover.
Mineral sunscreen
For healed tattoos only. SPF 45 or better keeps the colors bright.
Pilot · Diamond Mind
Ask aftercare
Answers come only from this page’s aftercare sheet. Not medical advice. If something looks infected or you feel unsafe, call the shop or see a doctor.
Shop: (508) 743-8462 · diamondmindtattoo@hotmail.com. Artist notes for your piece win if they differ.
We are here
Questions? Call the shop
If something looks off, or you just want to check in — call or email. We will tell you straight.
Phone
(508) 743-8462
Email
diamondmindtattoo@hotmail.com
Shop
53 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Open 10am–6pm daily