Aftercare
WHAT TO
EXPECT
The healing process usually takes around 7 - 14 days. During this time, you must wash your tattoo daily and keep it out of the sun and out of any bodies of water.
CLEANING
PROCESS
Before cleaning your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
Using fragrance-free soap (avoid scented bodywashes), clean the area. DO NOT use a wash cloth or towel, only use your hand to suds the soap.
Rinse thoroughly and PAT dry - do not wipe - with a clean paper towel.
Let the tattoo air dry for 5-10 minutes, then apply a thin coat of fragrance-free lotion, working it evenly into the skin as you would anywhere else on the body.
LOTION
DO NOT use Vaseline, A&D or Aquaphor - petroleum-based products tend to clog the pores trapping in unwanted bacteria and excessive moisture.
DO use Lubriderm, Nivea, Aveeno, Goldbond, CeraVe, Cetaphil
Wash your tattoo once or twice a day for the first 7-14 days.
Apply lotion once a day - LESS IS MORE - over-saturating your fresh tattoo can cause scabbing and irritation.
HOW IT
HEALS
Tattoos often peel like a sunburn as they heal - this is normal - DO NOT pick at the skin on or around your tattoo during the healing process. Allow any skin that’s flaking to fall off on its own. If the flakes are forced off before they’re ready, it can damage and scar the skin.
TIMELINE
Healing usually takes 7-14 days, depending on the tattoo. Some people’s skin may take longer.
AVOID
NEVER scratch your tattoo. It may get itchy as it heals. You can alleviate the itchiness by slapping or patting it.
Avoid direct sunlight and DO NOT use sunscreen while your tattoo is healing. The ingredients will harm your fresh tattoo.
Avoid chlorine (swimming pools, hot tubs), steam rooms, or saunas while your tattoo is healing.
WHEN TO
FOLLOW UP
Consult your artist and a health care provider for:
Unexpected redness, tenderness or swelling at the site of your tattoo
Any rash
Unexpected drainage at or from the site of your tattoo
A fever within 24 hours of the tattoo