Aftercare

1. Bandage & First Hours

    •    Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours, or as directed by your artist.

    •    Wash your hands before removing it.

    •    If your artist used a second-skin style bandage (like Saniderm or Tegaderm), keep it on for the recommended period (often 24–48 hours). Follow your artist’s specific instructions for when to remove it.

    •    Once the bandage is off, the tattoo may look shiny, weepy, or a bit red — this is normal.

 

 

2. Cleaning

    •    Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (such as Dial Gold or unscented Dr. Bronner’s).

    •    Avoid scrubbing — use your clean fingertips, not a washcloth or loofah.

    •    Rinse thoroughly to remove plasma, excess ink, or ointment.

    •    Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use shared towels, as they can harbor bacteria.

 

 

3. Moisturizing

    •    Apply a thin layer of unscented, dye-free lotion or ointment (such as Aquaphor, Eucerin, or a tattoo-specific balm).

    •    A little goes a long way — do not smother the tattoo, as over-moisturizing can clog pores and delay healing.

    •    Reapply 2–3 times daily or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.

 

 

4. What to Avoid

    •    Do not scratch or pick at scabs or peeling skin — this can cause ink loss or scarring.

    •    No soaking: avoid baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, or the ocean for at least 2–3 weeks.

    •    No direct sun or tanning: UV rays fade tattoos quickly. Once healed, always apply a high SPF sunscreen to protect your ink.

    •    Avoid tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo. Choose loose, breathable fabrics.

    •    Do not apply petroleum jelly, heavy ointments, or scented lotions unless specifically recommended.

 

 

5. Healing Timeline (What to Expect)

    •    Days 1–3: Tattoo may feel tender, warm, and slightly swollen. Some redness and light weeping are normal.

    •    Days 4–10: Tattoo begins peeling and flaking like a sunburn. Itching is common — resist the urge to scratch!

    •    Weeks 2–4: Tattoo may appear dull or cloudy as the skin rebuilds. This is normal — the brightness will return once fully healed.

    •    1 month+: Most tattoos are surface-healed within 3–4 weeks, but deeper layers of skin continue repairing for up to 3 months.

 

 

6. Long-Term Care

    •    Moisturize regularly to keep your tattoo looking vibrant.

    •    Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) when exposing your tattoo to the sun.

    •    Stay hydrated and maintain healthy skin overall — your tattoo will age as your skin does.

 

 

7. Warning Signs — When to Seek Medical Help

 

Contact your doctor and notify your artist if you notice:

    •    Excessive swelling or spreading redness.

    •    Severe pain that increases instead of decreases after the first few days.

    •    Thick yellow or green discharge with odor.

    •    Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms.