Quality tattoo aftercare will greatly determine the way your new tattoo heals!

Keep in mind that a new tattoo is an open wound! During the tattooing process, your skin experiences trauma, and while I take great care to make sure your tattoo is not exposed to any germs that may cause illness or infection while we’re together, once you leave our studio it is all up to you!

Healing time is dependent on each individual and each tattoo. A tattoo is considered fully healed at around 3 weeks. Hand poked tattoos by nature cause less trauma to the skin and may end up healing quicker!

Follow these instructions and you will have a solid healed result!

saniderm/tegaderm product:

  • Keep the bandage on for 3-5 days.

  • Gently remove the bandage in the shower or under warm water with freshly washed hands. The warm water helps loosen the adhesive. (It helps to pull the bandage down and away from itself. Similar to how you’d remove a "command strip”.)

  • It is normal for your new tattoo to “weep”. The fluid leaking from your new tattoo will be a mixture of ink and blood plasma. It is ok for a little bit to accumulate. If you notice an excessive amount of fluid under the bandage or if the bandage begins to leak, go ahead and remove the wrap and begin normal aftercare (outlined ahead).

  • If skin irritation occurs remove the bandage and proceed with the normal aftercare procedure outlined below.

clingwrap and griptape:

  • Keep the covering on for 2-3 hours.

  • Carefully remove the covering with freshly washed hands and in a clean environment.

  • If it feels like the clingwrap is stuck to your new tattoo, do not force it off. Run it under slow-running warm water to loosen up any “crusties” stuck to the clingwrap to avoid pulling any ink out.

  • It is normal for your new tattoo to “weep”. The fluid leaking from your new tattoo will be a mixture of ink and blood plasma. It is ok for a little bit to accumulate under the bandage.

  • On the first night, after washing, you may want to re-wrap your tattoo in clingwrap(after cleaning and moisturizing) to prevent sticking to your bedding. Avoid using cloth bandages or pads.

Caring for your new tattoo:

Wash the tattooed area immediately after removing your bandage and then 2-3 times a day.

  • Use mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water.

  • Lather your hands and then use the pads of your fingers gently in a circular motion to cleanse the area.

  • Do not rub aggressively. This can irritate the area and may also pull some of the ink out of the skin, resulting in an uneven appearance once fully healed.

  • Rinse well under slow-running warm water and air or gently pat dry with a paper towel.

After washing and drying your tattoo, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. I recommend the brands Lubriderm, Cetaphil, or CeraVe. You want to make sure to gently rub the lotion in so that it is not shiny or greasy. This prevents scabbing and promotes healing.

After those first couple of days, you may begin to notice your tattoo starting to scab and flake/peel and itch. This is normal!

  • DO NOT pick, itch/scratch, peel, rub, or irritate your tattoo.

  • DO NOT soak your new tattoo. No swimming in pools or bodies of water. No soaking in baths or hot tubs. Short showers are OK!

  • DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for an extended period or apply sunblock. After 3 weeks you may begin the use of sunblock. The UV rays in sunlight are not only bad for your skin, they also cause tattoos to fade and age quicker!

  • DO wear clean and loose clothing over your tattoo for the first couple of weeks.

  • DO get into the habit of “checking in” on your tattoo throughout the day. If you notice it looking dry and peely, apply a small amount of lotion to prevent scabs from flaking off prematurely.

  • It’s not uncommon for a new tattoo to be sore/sensitive to the touch, irritated looking; or even bruised. This should subside after a couple of days.

  • Please reach out to me or see a doctor ASAP if you notice any worsening symptoms outside of what I described above. Tattoo infections are rare but can be serious and even life-threatening.

Tattoo Aftercare