AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

If you have questions about your healing tattoo, contact your artist FIRST, not your friends. 


Tattoos can take up to 3 weeks to heal. They may be slightly red, swollen, and sore for the first couple days. Then it should tighten some and dry out, and a very thin flaky scab will form. You will experience some itching and flakiness of the skin, which is normal. NEVER pick at or scratch the scab/flakes off your tattoo, this will damage the tattoo. Moisturize regularly with a thin layer of mild lotion or tattoo balm. 

DOs & DON’Ts

  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo, and only touch it during cleaning

  • Only unwrap it if you are intending to clean it immediately

  • Clean it twice a day with antibacterial soap

  • Showering is okay, do NOT soak or take a bath, swim, or use hot tubs/saunas/tanning beds

  • Never use an alcohol based product on fresh tattoos

  • Never allow fresh tattoos to come into contact with anything that could harbor bacteria; such as bath towels, human or pet saliva, etc 

  • To keep the tattoo vibrant once healed, moisturize regularly and use a 30-50 SPF sunscreen

CLEANING & DRYING

  • Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water and then unwrap the tattoo

  • Use warm water and antibacterial soap to remove the plasma off the surface of the tattoo with your hands. Do not use cloth, as it can be abrasive and damage the healing tattoo

  • Lightly pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the area to air dry for a few minutes

  • Wash your hands again and apply a THIN layer of aftercare balm or unscented lotion

TATTOO FILM

  • If using a tattoo film (such as Saniderm, SecondSkin, etc) leave the bandage on for at least the first 24-36 hours. It is normal for a pocket of plasma/liquid to collect under the film. If the film is intact and not leaking, you may keep this bandage on for up to a week.

  • The easiest way to remove the film is in a warm shower. Warm water will help soften the adhesive on the bandage. 

    • Slowly lift the edge of the film and stretch it away from the center. It will start to release itself from your skin. To minimize pulling and pain, slowly stretch the film. Don’t pull it straight out or rip it off quickly like a Band-Aid. 

  • Once the film is removed, wash with antibacterial soap and warm water.

  • Lightly pat dry with a clean paper towel, do not rub it or use a cloth. Let air dry before applying a thin layer of tattoo balm or unscented lotion. 

  • If reapplying a film, do NOT use tattoo balm or lotion between coverings.