Tattoo Aftercare.
Follow these instructions to ensure your healing process is quick and easy. Feel free to reach out to your artist directly with any questions you have.
Congrats on your new tattoo! Here’s what you need to know.
The first night.
Keep the bandage on for a minimum of 6 hours. Keep it on overnight as long as the dressing feels comfortable and secure. If you decide to remove the bandage before going to sleep, follow the instructions in the next section on how to remove the bandage and clean your tattoo.
On the first night, your tattoo may bleed a little (AKA leak plasma). Dried plasma can stick to clothes or bedding, especially if you removed the dressing. Gently peel the fabric away—do not force it off or be rough with it. If it won’t come off, wet the area with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.
Fresh tattoos can also weep for a day or two, forming a thin, moist coating of plasma and ink. This can be wiped with a clean paper towel. Dab gently and lift, don’t scrub. If you see tattoo color on the towel or your hands, that’s normal: it’s excess ink being secreted from the surface or the skin - no need to worry.
To avoid stains, keep your tattoo wrapped for the first night. Moving forward, you may choose to wrap your tattoo ONLY at night for the first two nights while letting it breathe during the day, but this isn’t a requirement. You should use clean towels and bedsheets with darker tones, and wear dark clothing in case it leaks through your bandage.
Cleaning your tattoo.
Make sure your hands are clean before you get started. Have your fresh paper towels and unscented antibacterial soap ready to use. Until the healing process is over, avoid soaps with fragrance and scrubs.
Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water to help gently slide it off.
Lather your hands with the unscented antibacterial soap and warm water. No washcloths, bath towels, or sponges should be used.
Gently clean the tattoo until the ointment and plasma are removed completely using a circular motion - do not be rough or move quickly back and forth. Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.
Grab a fresh paper towel and pat the area dry. Do not scrub. Let it air dry for 10 minutes.
Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of unscented ointment (such as Aquaphor, Bacitracin, or Lubriderm). These are the go-to recommended lotions throughout the healing process. Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo, and dab any excess off with a clean paper towel. It’s very important to apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe. Don’t overdo it.
For the next 4-7 days, this is how you will clean your tattoo. Your tattoo is prone to dirt and bacteria, which may cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface to keep it safe and sanitary throughout the healing process as you would with any wound.
Your daily tattoo routine.
Apply the Aquaphor, Bacitracin, or Lubriderm 2-3 times a day (remember, keep it light) for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake/peel like a sunburn. When the peeling begins, switch to a lighter, regular fragrance-free lotion (such as Lubriderm), or any other scrub and fragrance-free brand for an additional 2 weeks.
Your tattoo should be completely healed within 4-6 weeks.
If you have sensitive skin, excessive amounts of thicker lotion may cause breakouts. If this happens, don’t panic– just reduce the number of times and the amount you apply the lotion.
Once you’re a few days in, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo at any point. Doing so may cause pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly. Keep it moisturized and be patient. We promise the scabs will eventually disappear, and soon you will be showing off your new ink.
Important Do’s & Don’ts.
Do not soak your tattoo for at least 2 weeks. No swimming, bathing, or submerging your tattoo in water for extended periods of time.
Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks, and be mindful of sun exposure until it is completely healed. After that, put on sunblock (SPF 50 or higher) whenever you are in direct sunlight. The sun will inevitably cause damage and compromise the longevity of your tattoo, so be sure to protect it as you do your entire body when you are in the sun.
Keep things clean. Using clean towels, bedding, and clothes is highly recommended during the healing process.
Do not scrub, pick or scratch at your tattoo at any point during the healing process.
Wear loose clothing and avoid constricting pieces (like form-fitting outfits, straps, waistbands, etc.) whenever. Avoid dirty, tight, and itchy clothing as they can create healing problems.
