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Tattoo Aftercare
Tattoo Aftercare
Initial Bandage Removal
Keep the bandage on for a minimum of 6 hours. recommend keeping it on overnight provided the dressing feels comfortable and secure.
If your artist uses adhesive tattoo bandaging, you can keep on for up to 5 days. This will prevent scabbing. Should the bandage leak or the edges begin to peel, you can remove early.
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Make sure your hands are clean. Use unscented antibacterial soap and avoid soap with fragrance, moisture beads, or scrubs.
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Carefully remove the bandage. For clear adhesive bandages, removing it under running water will help it peel off more easily and also contain any bodily fluids. You can stretch as if it is a Command strip. Do not force it off or be rough with it. Do not go against the grain.
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Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. Do not use a washcloth, bath towel, or sponge on a fresh tattoo.
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Gently clean the tattoo until all blood, ointment, and plasma are removed. Rinse the tattoo gently.
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Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow to air dry. Do not scrub!
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Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of healing ointment, such as Aquaphor or Bacitracin. Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo. Dab any excess off with a clean paper towel.
Clean your tattoo this way once or twice a day for the first 3 days.
Daily Aftercare
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Apply the Aquaphor or Bacitracin 2-3 times a day (remember, use a thin layer) for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake and peel. When the peeling begins, switch to a regular fragrance-free lotion (such as Lubriderm) for an additional 2 weeks.
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Reduce the number of your daily lotion applications if you notice your skin breaking out.
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After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so do not pick or scratch your tattoo as it could become infected. Keep it moisturized, and the itching will eventually dissipate.
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No sun, no swimming, and no soaking for the first month.
Reminder that sun damage is the number one reason for fading in tattoos, so continue to keep it out of the sun or to use sunblock on that area after fully healed.
If you have any questions on aftercare, please don’t hesitate reach out.
Remember!
Tattoo Frequently Asked Questions
There's a scab! What do I do?
Your new tattoo can begin to scab and flake off skin as early as a few days after the procedure. Do not pick at the healing skin or remove scabbing as it can also remove ink. Wash your tattoo twice a day with a mild unscented, dye free liquid soap. Specific aftercare for areas around the eyes and mouth will be provided at the time of service. Please call if you have any questions or concerns with how your body is healing the new work.
How soon can I schedule a touch-up?
Everyone is different with how quickly their body heals. For this reason, we generally recommend waiting 4-6 weeks to make sure that the healing process is complete before working on the area again. Touch-up appointments for each procedure are scheduled based on booking availability with the original artist.
What if my artist gave me different aftercare information?
Always follow the care that your individual artist gives. Your artist will always give you the best advice for how to heal their tattoos. Every application is different and every skin type should be considered. If your artists recommends avoiding lotions, then avoid lotions!
Further questions? Reach out!