Tattoo Aftercare
These recommendations are based on professional experience and common sense. This should not substitute for medical advice from a medical professional.
Your tattoo should heal in 2-3 weeks. However, every tattoo and person heals differently depending on many factors including location, skin sensitivity, and the strength of your immune system.
Your tattoo is an open wound until the scabs or flaky skin come and go. It’s important to keep your new tattoo clean, germ-free and moisturized.
Only touch your healing tattoo with clean hands. Until your tattoo is fully healed, avoid direct sun/UV exposure, and avoid submerging your tattoo in standing water (i.e. baths, beach, jacuzzis).
If you have any questions, please contact your artist.
Day 1
Remove bandages 2-3 hours after receiving your tattoo.
You may keep your bandage on longer, but new tattoos need to breathe so do not leave the bandage on any longer than 6 hours or overnight. Do not re-bandage it during the entire healing process.
After removing the bandage, wash with warm water and mild, anti-microbial soap.
Gently wash the skin with your clean fingertips, rinse with cool water and lightly pat dry with a clean paper towel or towel.
Do not rub!
Apply a thin layer of moisturizer
Do not apply too much moisturizer to allow your tattoo to breathe. Use a mild, non-scented moisturizer.
It is normal for your tattoo to ooze some plasma, blood, and ink during the first night.
If you find the next morning your pajamas are stuck to your tattoo, do not rip off the clothing. Soak the area in warm water and carefully remove the clothing.
The Following Weeks
Wash, dry, and apply moisturizer to your tattoo twice a day for 2-3 weeks.
Week 1
Your tattoo will likely be sore and red. It may feel like a sunburn and be itchy. Do not scratch your healing tattoo. After several days you may start to form scabs or the skin may start to flake. Do not pick. Let it fall off naturally.
Week 2
Your tattoo may be peeling or flaking more and will become itchy. It is important you let the skin and scabs fall off naturally. The scabs and flakes may be the same color as your tattoo. Don’t worry, your tattoo is not coming off.
Week 3
The scabs and flakes of your skin should be almost healed, but your tattoo will likely not be fully healed yet. Your tattoo may appear shiny or a bit milky. Continue cleaning and moisturizing while avoiding direct sunlight or UV light until it does not appear shiny or milky.
Once the tattoo is healed, you a high SPF sunscreen to help prevent fading.
If an infection occurs such as intense swelling, pain, warmth, or unusual odor, please contact a medical professional immediately.