Important: Everyone's skin heals differently. These are general guidelines. If you have concerns about how your tattoo is healing, contact me or consult a medical professional.
First 24 Hours
-
Leave the bandage on.
Keep the protective covering on for the time recommended during your session (typically 2–4 hours, or overnight if using a second-skin bandage).
-
Wash your hands first.
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your tattoo.
-
Gently wash the tattoo.
Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently rub away plasma and excess ink with clean fingertips. Do not scrub.
-
Pat dry.
Use a clean paper towel to gently pat the area dry. Do not use cloth towels.
-
Apply a thin layer of ointment.
Use a thin layer of the aftercare ointment recommended during your session. Less is more — don't over-apply.
Days 2–14: The Healing Process
-
Clean 2–3 times daily.
Wash the tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry.
-
Moisturize.
After washing, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or the recommended aftercare product. Keep the skin moisturized but not greasy.
-
Let it flake naturally.
Your tattoo will scab, peel, and flake — this is normal. Do not pick, scratch, or peel any loose skin. Let it come off on its own.
-
Keep it covered.
Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo. Avoid tight or abrasive fabrics rubbing against the area.
What to Avoid
- No swimming or soaking — avoid pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, and baths for at least 2–3 weeks. Showers are fine.
- No direct sun exposure — keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight while healing. After it heals, always apply SPF to protect the ink.
- No picking or scratching — this can cause scarring, ink loss, and infection.
- No heavy exercise — avoid excessive sweating for the first few days, especially if the tattoo is in a high-friction area.
- No scented products — avoid fragranced lotions, soaps, or body washes on the tattooed area.
- No shaving the tattooed area until it is fully healed.
Long-Term Care
- Always apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) to your tattoo when exposed to sun. Sun fades ink over time.
- Keep the skin moisturized daily to maintain vibrancy.
- If you notice any fading after healing, you may be eligible for a free touch-up within 3 months. Contact me to schedule.
Signs of infection: If you experience excessive redness, swelling, heat, pus, fever, or spreading red streaks, seek medical attention immediately. These are not normal healing symptoms.