+ TATTOO AFTERCARE +

Take care of it now so it heals right and lasts.

There are a lot of ways people talk about aftercare. This is the method we trust and use every day.

Keep it simple, stay consistent, and don’t overdo it.

FIRST 24–72 HOURS

  • Bandage / Wrap (Your artist will apply a bandage or wrap)

    • Standard wrap: remove after a few hours

    • Second Skin (Saniderm/Tegaderm): leave on 2–3 days. Remove early if it leaks or peels

  • First wash

    • Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap

    • Gently clean the tattoo with your hand, not a cloth. Remove all blood, plasma, and excess ink

  • Drying

    • Pat dry with a clean paper towel

    • No bath towels

  • Unscented Lotion / Ointment (first 2–3 days)

    • Apply a very thin layer of Unscented Lotion, Aquaphor, or A&D 3–4 times a day

    • Rub it in, don’t leave it sitting on the skin

      • Too much = clogged skin, fading, and blur

DAYS 3–14 (HEALING PHASE)

  • Switch to lotion

    • If using ointment- Once the tattoo starts to feel tight or dry, stop ointment and switch to lotion

    • Use fragrance-free options like: Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Aveeno, Eucerin

  • Moisturize lightly

    • 2–4 times a day, or when it feels dry

    • Keep it breathable, not greasy

  • Washing

    • Clean 1–2 times per day

    • Don’t over-wash, that can slow healing

WHAT TO AVOID (2–4 WEEKS)

  • No swimming, hot tubs, or soaking

  • No direct sunlight

  • No tight or abrasive clothing

  • No sunscreen until fully healed

  • Avoid heavy sweating or intense workouts early on

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

This is normal, don’t stress it:

  • Itching

  • Scabbing

  • Flaking

  • Peeling

  • Do not scratch or pick. That’s how you pull ink out and damage the tattoo.

  • At some point it may look dull, faded, or cloudy. That’s “the ugly stage” and it’s part of the process.

  • Let everything fall off naturally.

KEEP IT CLEAN

  • Wash your hands before touching your tattoo

  • Don’t let other people touch it

  • Keep your environment, sheets, and clothing clean

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Using too much ointment

  • Switching to lotion too late

  • Picking or scratching

  • Over-washing or Soaking the tattoo

  • Letting friction from clothing irritate it

WHEN TO REACH OUT

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t guess.

Watch for:

  • Excessive redness or swelling

  • Pus or unusual discharge after 48 hours

  • Tattoo staying hot to the touch

  • Severe or worsening pain

Contact us first, and if needed, consult a medical professional.

FINAL NOTE

Every tattoo and every person is different.

If your artist gives you specific instructions, follow their advice first.
We want your tattoo healing clean, sharp, and exactly how it should.