04 — AftercareTebori + Machine
Aftercare
This aftercare guide covers the healing process for both tebori hand-applied and machine Japanese tattoos by Horiyou 彫陽 at ShinouTattoo, Fort Lauderdale. Follow these guidelines carefully — how you care for your tattoo in the first weeks determines how it looks for the rest of your life.
Saran Wrap
- After getting tattooed, leave the wrap on for at least three hours.3 hrs+
- Take off the saran wrap and with clean hands, rinse your tattoo carefully under warm water. Use a fragrance free shower gel.
- After the rinse, pat dry with a clean towel and let air dry for a bit. If you don't have the time to air dry, make sure it is dried carefully with the towel. Pat dry and do NOT rub.
- Apply a thin layer of ointment on the tattooed area. I recommend Palmer's Cocoa Butter, but you can use any tattoo aftercare ointment. Make sure you apply only a thin layer of the ointment.
- Rewrap the tattoo after applying the ointment and leave wrapped about 8–10 hours.8–10 hrs
- Repeat the previous steps for about 3 days.3 days
- After 3 days do not wrap the tattooed area again and let it dry heal.Day 4+
- Apply ointment when needed. Usually when the new tattooed area feels too dry and tight.
Tegaderm
- Leave the Tegaderm film on for four days.4 days
- On the fifth day, carefully roll off the film under a warm shower.Day 5
- Rinse and carefully clean your tattoo under warm water with a fragrance free shower gel.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a tattoo aftercare ointment when needed. Usually when the new tattooed area feels too dry and tight. Make sure to only apply a thin layer of an ointment of your choice. I recommend Palmer's Cocoa Butter.
Avoid during the healing process!
Do not bathe. Showers are ok and necessary. Not more than 2 times per day.
Do not go into a pool, jacuzzi or ocean.
Avoid direct sunlight hitting the freshly tattooed area.
Do not scratch, rub or hit your tattoo.
No sports for 5–7 days. Sweat and workout movements aren’t the best for the healing process.
Do not listen to friends, people at your local gym, bar or other so called “experts”. If you have any questions or concerns about your healing process feel free to contact us as often as necessary.
Tebori Aftercare — What's Different
- 01Tebori tattoos generally heal faster and with less surface trauma than machine work. The hand technique is gentler on surrounding tissue, which means less redness and swelling in the first few days.
- 02The aftercare process is the same as machine work — but pay extra attention to keeping the area moisturized during the first week. Tebori work benefits from consistent hydration during healing.
- 03If you have any concerns during the healing process contact Horiyou directly — he personally responds to all aftercare questions from his clients.
Thank you
and enjoy.
For tebori-specific aftercare questions or concerns, contact ShinouTattoo directly — Horiyou responds personally to all client aftercare inquiries.
tattoo@shin-ou.com