Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Below we'll outline a few different methods you can use to heal your tattoo. It is important that you follow these guidelines for the first 4-6 weeks after getting your tattoo.

Keep your tattoo clean. A tattoo is an open wound and should be treated as such. After you take the initial dressing off, wash your tattoo 3-4 times per day to prevent infection.
Protect your tattoo from the sun. The sun can be very damaging to a new tattoo. If you are going to be in the sun, keep your tattoo covered and do NOT apply sunscreen to the area.
Do not submerge your tattoo in water. Standing bodies of water can contain bacteria which can cause infection. Do not swim or take a bath with a fresh tattoo.
Do not pick off any scabs or flaky skin. Peeling off scabs can delay the healing process and cause your tattoo to fade prematurely.
Keep your skin moisturized. Apply lotion in a very thin, even layer to your tattoo. Do not over-moisturize.
Do not wear tight clothing. Your tattoo needs to breathe to heal its best. Wear loose clothing and avoid excessive sweating.

Initial Healing Phase

Tegaderm / Saniderm

Leave the film on your tattoo until it starts to peel off on its own (3 days – 1 week)
If the film pops or leaks fluid, remove it immediately. It is normal for the film to fill with fluid.
If you notice a reaction around the edges of the film, remove it immediately and contact your tattoo artist.
To remove the film, use hot water to make it easier. The film may be hard to get off – this is normal.
Ensure all adhesive is washed off once the film is removed.

Plastic Wrap / Gauze

Do not keep gauze or plastic wrap on your tattoo for longer than directed by your tattoo artist (usually 3-24 hours)
Replace plastic wrap or gauze and wash your tattoo often (3-4 times daily)
If you notice a reaction to the plastic wrap or gauze, remove it immediately.
If you are going to be in the sun and sweating, let your tattoo breathe as long as it isn't in direct sunlight.

Washing Your Tattoo

Washing your tattoo is the most important part of the process. Washing can help reduce healing time, decrease chances of infection, and keep your tattoo looking its best.

Use an unscented anti-bacterial soap to wash your tattoo
Wash your tattoo using warm water
After washing, pat dry with a clean towel (paper towels can leave small fibers behind)
Let your tattoo dry completely before applying moisturizer

The Healing Process

Day 1

Your tattoo is very fresh – it may have redness and pain (similar to a sunburn)
You may notice oozing blood, plasma, and extra ink. This is completely normal.
If using plastic wrap or gauze, start the routine of cleaning and moisturizing immediately.

Days 3 – 5

Remove any second skin if you have one and stop using plastic wrap or gauze.
Your tattoo may look a little cloudy – this is part of the healing process.
Your tattoo may form scabs. Do not pull these off while applying lotion.
If tattooed on a muscle, you may notice soreness. This is normal and will go away.

Days 6 – 14

Scabs will start to flake off. Do not pull these off.
Your skin may be very itchy. Resist the urge to scratch! You can apply lotion to relieve itchiness.
If you notice redness at this stage, contact your artist to ensure you don't have an infection.

Days 21+

Your scabs should have mostly fallen off. Thicker scabs may stick around longer – do not pull them off.
You may notice skin peeling (similar to a sunburn) – this is normal.
Your skin may still be prone to dryness. Continue moisturizing until your skin is back to normal.
It may take up to 3 months for your skin to heal completely internally.
Even after your tattoo is healed, keep it out of the sun to avoid fading.

What if something goes wrong?

If anything goes wrong with your tattoo, it is always best to reach out to your artist first. If you are experiencing infection related to your tattoo, please seek medical attention immediately.