Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo will take at least two weeks to heal. Some tattoos and bodies heal slower. Think of your tattoo as you would any wound - keep it clean and protected, and let your body do most of the work.
Different techniques and styles of tattooing will heal slightly differently. My tattoos are typically fineline, black ink, and require minimal aftercare (very different from saturated color/traditional tattoos). If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me! Here are some general guidelines.
Dermshield/Tegaderm/Second Skin:
This is the type of bandage I typically use. Leave the bandage on for 3-4 days. Your skin will push out some excess ink and plasma, this will collect under the bandage and make the tattoo look “inky” or damp. That is normal and nothing to worry about. Allergic reactions are rare but do happen on occasion; they are typically resolved quickly by removing the bandage. If the bandage causes any irritation or redness, or starts to come off on its own, you must remove it fully and refer to the following aftercare instructions. Do not leave tegaderm that is coming off/leaking, as outside bacteria can get trapped under the bandage and create infection.
If you have any other type of bandage:
Always wash your hands well with soap before touching your new tattoo.
Remove the bandage within 2-3 hours after getting tattooed.
After the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Remove all existing ointment, blood, plasma, and ink with your fingertips gently. Excess plasma will cause scabbing, and you want to minimize this as much as possible. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo.
Rinse and pat dry with a disposable paper towel.
Wash your tattoo twice a day until it is completely healed. Do not over-wash. Regular showering is fine. Do not submerge the tattoo for an extended amount of time until it has healed - this includes baths and swimming. Avoid hot/moist environments and excessive sweating - no saunas, hot yoga, intense workouts, etc.
Over the next few days the tattoo will become tight, dry, and flaky. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer 1-2 times a day sparingly. Rub a very small amount of moisturizer in until it is fully absorbed into your skin. Do not over-moisturize. If a scab forms, it will be the color of the ink used. This does not mean the ink is going to fall out. Leave the scabs and let them fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch the area. The tattoo may appear dull, cloudy, or shiny until it has completely healed - this is normal as the skin heals, and will go away after a few weeks. Wear clean, loose fitting clothing over the area.
Soaps To Use:
Mild, fragrance-free soap: Hibicleanse, Dial, Dove, Neutrogena, Dr. Bronners (scented Dr Bronners is ok).
Moisturizers To Use:
Fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizers: cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Aveeno.
If you have had great success with a particular product in the past (shea butter, coconut oil, Hustle Butter, etc) feel free to continue to use that product. I prefer products that are not petroleum based or too greasy, as they tend to sit on top of your skin rather than absorb, which can lead to clogged pores and rashes. Aquaphor is generally unnecessary and overuse can cause irritation.
DO NOT:
Do not pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo.
Do not under any circumstance use rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or cortisone on your new tattoo.
Do not use sponges, washcloths, or anything abrasive while cleaning your tattoo. They harbor bacteria and may irritate or harm your tattoo.
Do not let anyone touch your new tattoo (this includes your pets!!).
Do not wear fine mesh tights/stockings over fresh leg tattoos. If a tattoo sticks to your clothing, use warm water to dampen the fabric before pulling away!
Do not go in a lake, tub, pool, etc. These all contain bacteria.
Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight for extended periods. This includes tanning beds. A high SPF sunscreen will protect the crispness/longevity of your fully healed tattoo in the future.
Antibiotics, vaccines, illness, and anything that interacts with your immune system can effect healing - try to plan accordingly or avoid getting tattooed while you are recovering.
Some tattoos will benefit from a touch up in a few months, if any lines are too light, have uneven shading or if the tattoo had any trouble healing. Not all tattoos will need touch up - if you think it would be helpful, email a clear photo of the tattoo to your artist. We will typically schedule a quick, free touch up - just be aware that even a perfectly healed tattoo will have minor “imperfections” and variation due to the nature of the living, changing body, and the hand-made aspect of the craft - this is normal.
Protecting your healed tattoo with sunscreen will help prevent fading over the years! If at any point you believe your tattoo is infected or have any major concerns, please let me know, and do not hesitate to contact a medical professional!