Aftercare Instructions
Congratulations! You did it!
After your session has ended, your tattoo artist will apply a bandage over your new tattoo. It is advised to leave this bandage on for a minimum of 2 hours - but no more than 5 days - depending on the bandage method used.
Ointment/Lotion Method
Leave the wrap on for a few (2-5) hours, then remove it and wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented soap.
Make sure your hands are clean any time you touch your tattoo
Starting that evening or the morning after, apply Aquaphor or an unscented lotion (such as Eucerin) 1-2 times per day. We typically recommend doing so in the morning/evening and washing the tattoo before applying more if you are able. This will remove any old ointment and debris that accumulates throughout the day. Always let your tattoo air dry, or gently dab it dry with a clean paper towel.
When you apply, make sure to only apply a very thin layer. By the time you are done rubbing it in, you should barely be able to tell there is anything there. If you accidentally use too much, dab off any excess with a clean paper towel.
Your tattoo should start to peel within the first week or so. During this stage, do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. Any scabs/scaliness that forms should fall off when it is ready to. Any peeling should typically end within 2-3 weeks, thus completing the healing process.
During the healing process, keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can much more easily harm the tattoo when your skin is still healing. Please stay out of any direct sun, or wear appropriate clothing to cover the tattooed area for at least 2 weeks (a month is recommended to give your skin time to fully recover).
Do not submerge your fresh tattoo under water. Clean, flowing water is safe for your tattoo (i.e. showering, washing under the sink), but soaking your tattoo under water can cause scabs to come off prematurely. Contact with dirty water (i.e. pools, lakes, rivers, oceans) can put your tattoo at risk for infection. Avoid all swimming/outdoor water activity until the tattoo is healed.
If you believe you may have an infection (increased soreness, redness, swelling, fever, etc.), we recommend making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
With proper care, the healing process should be relatively quick and easy. If at any point you are worried about your tattoo, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist!
Adhesive Bandage Method
Ideally, the bandage should be left on for 2-5 days. The longer the bandage can stay on the better, but there may be factors that will require you to remove it before Day 5.
Some things to keep an eye out for:
Excessive irritation (under the bandage or around the edges)
Edges peeling to a point where the tattoo becomes exposed
Fluid leaking out of the bandage
If any of these conditions occur, please remove the bandage early. In the case of a reaction to the bandage or adhesive itself, symptoms should improve once it has been removed.
We recommend removing the bandage in the shower. The warm water can help the adhesive come off a little easier. There may be some pain/discomfort when removing the bandage, but that is only because your skin is still sensitive and recovering. Removal of the bandage will not damage the tattoo itself.
Once the bandage is removed, thoroughly wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented soap. Always allow the tattoo to air dry, or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Make sure your hands are clean any time you touch your tattoo.
If there is any dryness or peeling after removing the bandage, proceed by applying Aquaphor or an unscented lotion (such as Eucerin) 1-2 times per day, washing the tattoo before each application if possible.
Your tattoo should be healed withing 1-2 weeks. Though this method typically makes the healing process smoother, please follow the standard healing rules:
Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo or bandage
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight
Do not submerge your fresh tattoo under water
Avoid all swimming/outdoor water activities
If you believe you may have an infection (increased soreness, redness, swelling, fever, etc.), we recommend making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
With proper care, the healing process should be relatively quick and easy. If at any point you are worried about your tattoo, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist!