Thank you for choosing me as your artist! Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks its best for years to come. Everybody heals differently, but following these steps will give your tattoo the best chance at a smooth healing process.
Day 1: Immediately After Your Tattoo
- Your tattoo will be wrapped with a bandage or protective covering before you leave the shop.
- Leave the bandage on for the recommended time (usually 2–6 hours, unless you have a special medical adhesive bandage that can be left on up to 24 hours).
- Do not touch your tattoo with unwashed hands.
First Wash
When it’s time to remove the bandage:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with unscented soap.
- Gently remove the bandage.
- Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap (like Dove, Dr. Bronner’s unscented, or Dial).
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not rub.
- Apply a very thin layer of aftercare ointment (Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or another recommended tattoo product).
Ongoing Care (Days 2–14)
- Wash your tattoo gently 2–3 times per day.
- Always apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer after washing/drying.
- Keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturized—not soaked or smothered. Too much ointment can suffocate the skin.
- Your tattoo will start to flake and peel around days 4–7. This is normal! Do not scratch, pick, or peel the skin. Let it come off naturally.
Things to Avoid During Healing
- No scratching, picking, or peeling. This can pull out ink and cause scarring.
- No soaking. Avoid baths, pools, hot tubs, saunas, and the ocean until fully healed (about 2–4 weeks). Quick showers are fine.
- No direct sunlight or tanning. Sun exposure can fade and damage a healing tattoo.
- No tight or abrasive clothing that directly rubs on the tattoo.
Long-Term Care (After Healing)
- Always use sunscreen (SPF 30+) on your tattoo when exposed to the sun to prevent fading.
- Keep your skin moisturized to maintain the vibrancy of your tattoo.
Signs to Watch For
Some redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal for the first few days. Contact me or seek medical advice if you notice:
- Excessive swelling, spreading redness, or warmth around the tattoo
- Pus or foul odor
- Severe itching or rash
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
✅ Remember: Healing takes time—usually 2–4 weeks for surface healing, and up to a few months for deeper layers of skin to fully settle. With good care, your tattoo will heal beautifully and last a lifetime.
Disclaimer: These aftercare guidelines are provided to help promote proper tattoo healing. They are not medical advice. Everybody heals differently, and healing results may vary. If you experience unusual pain, excessive swelling, prolonged redness, signs of infection, or concerns about your healing process, please contact a healthcare professional.