TattooAftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo! These will stay with you for life, so please review the guidelines listed below to keep your artwork looking it’s best.

Each artist may have their own preferred aftercare; feel free to ask your artist what they feel is best for your new art!

Day One

Leave your bandage on as long as your artist instructs you, as this varies depending on type of bandage

  • After removing your bandage, wash the tattoo thoroughly with clean hands and non-scented, antibacterial soap - such as Dial or Soft soap - using running warm (not hot) water. This removes any excess ointment or plasma build-up

    • Never use bar soap, loofahs, washcloths, or anything else that could introduce bacteria to a healing tattoo! Only use clean hands and gentle rubbing motions

  • Apply white fragrance-free lotion 2-4 times daily in small amounts, just enough that it absorbs into the skin and isn’t a thick layer on top. We recommend Curel, Aveeno, or Lubriderm.

  • Good healing is key! It is recommended to take vitamin E and C for the general wellness of your skin and drink plenty of water for the best healed result

Day Two & On

  • For the first few days your tattoo may be a little leaky, this is just plasma, and ink - this is nothing to be concerned about and is the first step of the healing process.

  • Once the tattoo heals over the next couple days it will dry out. A thin layer of skin will form and flake off like a sunburn. This is normal, however, it can be slightly irritating and itchy.

    • DO NOT pick or scratch at it, as this can pull the ink from your skin!

  • When you shower, keep the heat down; the stream from the hot water can soften the flakes and cause them to fall off too early, which can pull ink from the skin along with them. If your tattoo seem oozy and gooey, stop the shower and allow them to dry out before applying any moisturizer.

DO NOT

  • Soak in water - Stay way from soaking / submerging in baths, pools, hot tubs/saunas, etc. They can harbor bacteria which can cause a number of infections. Also animal hair, dander, soil (NO GARDENING!), etc - can also cause infections in fresh tattoos.

  • Pick or scratch at your tattoo.

  • Re-bandage the tattoo after taking the first off - it needs to breathe.

  • Allow your healing tattoo to be exposed to direct sunlight. Wear loose, CLEAN, cotton clothing over the tattoo during the healing process, and wear sunscreen or UV protectant clothing over your tattoo after it has healed completely to keep it looking great as it ages.

    • If your tattoo is located on your foot or ankle, keep shoes and socks away from the area to avoid any rubbing.

    • If your tattoo is located on your shoulder, please keep your bra straps away from the area (ie - don’t wear a bra, or opt for strapless). Any rubbing can cause poor healing, resulting in ink loss.

Remember: This artwork is on you for life, so protect your investment!

It is your responsibility to follow these instructions and any given to you by the artist. Any deviation can lead to color loss, infection, and/or poor healing. If you have any questions regarding your tattoo, reach out to your artist via email