Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoos are an open wound that require 2-4 weeks of aftercare to ensure proper healing. Basic tattoo aftercare consists in regular washing and moisturizing while avoiding direct sun exposure and any kind of soaking of your tattoo.

It is important to consider whether you will be able to properly care for your tattoo before booking an appointment.

If you have upcoming travel plans, a seasonal outdoor job, or plan to be in the sun/water in the coming weeks it is best to hold off on booking a tattoo until a later time.

*please read aftercare instructions thoroughly before booking your first appointment!*

When You Leave the Shop…

  • Your tattoo will be wrapped in an absorbent bandage that should be left on for at least two hours, and no more than five.

  • If you don’t already have it, pick up some unscented, antibacterial hand soap (dial gold) and unscented lotion (lubriderm) on your way home.

  • Leave your bandage on until you are home so that you can wash your tattoo right after the bandage is removed.

When You Get Home…

  • Wash your hands

  • Carefully remove your bandage and place into an enclosed trash bin.

  • Rinse your tattoo with warm water

  • Create a lather with unscented soap on your tattoo, and massage for about a minute to break up any blood or plasma that may have built up in your bandage.

  • Rinse your tattoo again until all soap and blood is gone.

  • Allow your tattoo to air dry, or pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  • Your tattoo will continue to seep for the next 24 hours or so. Pay attention to it and repeat the washing process any time there is a build up of blood or plasma. No moisturizer is necessary for the first 12-24 hours.

  • Wear loose fitting cotton clothing over your tattoo, especially when sleeping, to create a barrier for germs and to protect sheets from staining.

For the Next Few Weeks…

  • Wash your tattoo twice a day and air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  • Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your tattoo after washing, and rub it all the way in until it’s gone.

  • Avoid abrasive clothing and jewelry while healing your tattoo.

  • Do not soak your tattoo. Avoid baths, hot tubs, hot springs, pools, and rivers until your tattoo has fully healed.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure to your healing tattoo. Cover with loose clothing. Do not apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it has fully healed.

  • Avoid direct contact with public gym equipment.

  • Take extra precaution around pets to avoid contaminating your tattoo with fur or dander.

  • Repeat washing process if your tattoo is exposed to excess sweat, dirt, or any potential contaminants (dirt, pets, etc.)

  • Apply additional moisturizer if your tattoo feels itchy or tight.

What to expect…

  • Your tattoo will go through a few different phases of healing.

  • For the first 24 hours or so your tattoo will be raw and open. This is when washing is most important as your skin will continue to push out blood and plasma.

  • Depending on the size, placement, and saturation of your tattoo you may experience anything from a small amount of flakiness to large, thick scabbing. All of these are normal.

  • Do not pick at your tattoo or remove any scabs! They will come off on their own. Some may come off while washing, moisturizing or sleeping. This is totally normal. If the dryness, or scabbing on your tattoo is causing discomfort, apply a small amount of moisturizer.

  • After all of your scabs have fallen off on their own, your tattoo will appear to have a “shine” too it, especially line work and areas of solid black. Once this shine goes away your tattoo has fully healed and settled, and is ready for any touch ups that may be necessary. At this time you can also expose your tattoo to sun if sunscreen is regularly applied. However, it is always reccomended to protect tattoos from sun exposure with fabric as much as possible.

Things to keep in mind…

  • If you suspect your tattoo may be infected, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

  • If you are sharing aftercare products with a friend or roommate, avoid cross contamination of products by never touching bottles after you have touched your tattoo.

  • Never rebandage your tattoo or wrap in plastic wrap.

  • If you have any questions about aftercare, feel free to reach out directly to me or to the shop.

 FAQs

  • Aquaphor is okay to use during the first few days of healing, but is easier to overdo than lotion. Make sure you use a very small amount and rub it all the way in until it’s gone. Vaseline is NOT recommended.

  • Yes. Your own sweat is fine. Just be sure to wash your tattoo after your workout and avoid direct contact with public gym equipment!

  • After your tattoo has fully healed, meaning all scabs are completely gone.

  • No. Just, no.

  • It is not recommended to camp when your tattoo is so fresh. Consider putting your trip off a week so that your tattoo has at least had a chance to close up and scab over. Even still, more than an overnight camping trip is not recommended while healing a tattoo.

  • No. I don’t offer Sani derm as a bandaging option.