aftercare

while healing your tattoo

  • Always wash your hands with liquid, antibacterial soap before cleaning or touching your tattoo. Avoid touching your fresh tattoo unnecessarily.

  • It is best to wash any fabrics that will come into contact with your tattoo including, bed sheets, clothes, and towels while the tattoo is healing. Disposable paper towels are helpful for direct contact with the tattoo during the cleaning process.

days one - three

  • Keep the bandage on for at least two to three hours after you leave the shop. It is preferable to leave the bandage on overnight.

  • Removing the bandage: make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Then, rinse the tattoo with cool water and gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel. If the bandage or paper towel becomes stuck to the skin, soak the cloth with water to remove it gently rather than ripping it off. The tattooed area will be oozy with ink and plasma, this reaction is normal.

  • It is best to wash the tattoo twice a day with cool water. You do not need to use soap each time you rinse the tattoo. Be sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap before rinsing the tattoo with water. You can gently use your hand or a clean paper towel to remove any plasma on the skin's surface.

  • You can use a clean paper towel to pat your tattoo dry, however, air drying is preferred to avoid further irritation. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of ointment. Be sure to use a fragrance-free ointment intended for fresh tattoos.

  • It is normal to experience redness, soreness, and a subtle heat at the tattoo site and the immediate surrounding area for up to one week. If the pain, redness, or heat is persistent or increases after one week, here are a few factors to consider: You could be experiencing an allergic reaction. This reaction can be caused by something as simple as soap or lotion. Try switching to a different soap or lotion first. If you try a new soap or lotion and don't feel some relief within 24 hours, you should consult a medical professional.

days four - fourteen

  • It is normal for the tattoo to peel and flake, similar to a sunburn.

  • You should continue to wash the tattoo twice a day with cool water. You don’t need to use soap, simply rinse and dry the tattoo. You can use your clean hands or a clean paper towel to remove any scabs that are flaking off naturally. DO NOT rub, pick, or vigorously scrub the flaky skin.

  • At this point, you can start using a mild, unscented lotion such as Lubriderm and disregard the use of the healing ointment. If you prefer all-natural/organic products, you can try coconut oil. However, you should avoid all lotions with fragrance.

  • You should continue lightly moisturizing the skin until all the scabbing and peeling have stopped. Scabbing and peeling can last up to two weeks, sometimes a bit longer.

important notes

  • DO NOT Scratch or pick at the scabs forming on your tattoo.

  • DO NOT expose your tattoo directly to the sun. You should not apply sunscreen to the tattoo until the peeling is complete and the tattoo feels smooth.

  • DO NOT soak your tattoo in water, especially in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and rivers. Showering and washing the tattoo is fine.

working out

  • Avoid repetitive stretching and compressing of the tattoo while it is scabbing and healing. These motions can cause the scabs to crack. Raising your blood pressure can also cause blowouts within your tattoo. If you do work out regularly while healing a tattoo, be sure to wash the tattoo immediately after to remove sweat buildup.

day fourteen - one month

  • Your tattoo should be completely healed in approximately one month. For folks with sensitive skin, it can take an additional week or so.

  • You should avoid soaking the tattoo in water, especially in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and rivers.

  • You should always avoid direct sun exposure without SPF. Once the cracked or peeling skin is healed and smooth, you can apply sunscreen. You should use sunscreen at all times to preserve your tattoo.

  • For continued preservation of the tattoo, moisturize your skin regularly.