TATTOO AFTERCARE

TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEW INK

Your tattoo is an open wound, and how you care for it during the first couple of weeks matters. Follow the instructions below, keep it clean, and when in doubt – reach out to us. We’d much rather answer a question than have you worry.

-IF WE USED SECOND SKIN-

Keep the bandage on for the amount of time your artist recommends. Some fluid, plasma, and ink collecting underneath it is normal.

Wash your hands before removing it. Gently peel the bandage off under warm, running water, then wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry.

If the bandage begins leaking, rolls up enough to expose the tattoo, or causes significant irritation, remove it rather than trying to reseal it.

-IF WE DECIDED TO DRY HEAL-

Gently clean the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub.

Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the tattoo to air dry. Once fully dry, apply only a very thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist.

THE NEXT TWO WEEKS

-KEEP IT CLEAN-

Wash gently with warm water and fragrance free soap as needed. Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.

-KEEP IT LIGHTLY MOISTURIZED-

Once the tattoo begins to feel dry or tight, use a small amount of fragrance-free lotion or the aftercare product recommended by your artist. A little goes a long way – your tattoo should never feel greasy or smothered.

-LET IT DO ITS THING-

Flaking, peeling, mild itching, and a little dryness are all normal parts of healing. Do not pick, scratch, or peel it. Let everything come off naturally.

-FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, AVOID-

Swimming, hot tubs, baths, direct sun, or tanning, and anything that causes excessive rubbing or irritation over the tattoo. Showering is absolutely fine.

-WHEN TO REACH OUT-

Mild redness, tenderness, warmth, swelling, and clear plasma drainage can happen early on in the healing process. But if redness is spreading or worsening, pain or swelling is increasing instead of improving, you develop pus-like drainage, red streaking, fever, or otherwise feel unwell, contact a healthcare professional promptly. If you are simply unsure whether what you’re seeing is normal, you’re always welcome to send us a photo.