AFTERCARE

AFTER YOU LEAVE

When your tattoo is complete, it will be covered with a breathable adhesive bandage. The bandage seals to protect the tattoo so it may fill with body fluids & mix with surface ink, which will look gross - this is normal! Leave the bandage on for 8-24 hrs. If fluid does leak out of the bandage or if you experience redness & itchiness around the outside edges, remove the bandage. If you did not get wrapped in an adhesive bandage, remove the non-adherent wrap within 1 hour.


KEEP IT CLEAN

After removing bandage clean the tattoo area gently with your hand (no sponges or rags) using a mild antibacterial soap & warm water. Then pat it dry with a clean dry towel. Clean it at least 2x per day until healed. The tattoo is an open wound so keeping area clean & free of germs is key. Baby it!


KEEP IT MOISTURIZED

Apply a very thin layer of non-scented moisturizing skin lotion at least 3x per day or anytime the tattoo is dry for 2-4 weeks. Thin layers only! Too much lotion will cause poor healing. And drink plenty of water!

THINGS TO AVOID


SUNLIGHT

DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds for a minimum of 2 weeks. Keep it completely covered & away from the sun. UV rays can alter ink colors & it can lead to skin complications.
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​The most effective way to protect your tattoo from the sun after it has fully healed is to not expose it to direct sunlight. But we have to live..so if it’s exposed, using 50+ SPF sunblock will help protect the tattoo to keep it looking great much much longer.


WATER

DO NOT submerge your healing tattoo in water for a minimum of 2 weeks. Water during the healing process can make your tattoo look years old right after it’s healed. Not only will it not look good, submerging your tattoo in any body of water puts you at high risk of picking up an infection.
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This includes baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, steam rooms, lakes, oceans, etc…
​Showers are completely fine as long as you don’t leave the tattoo area under the running water for long periods of time.


TIGHT CLOTHING

DO NOT tight clothing on the tattoo until it has fully healed, like tight socks, leggings, compression shirts, etc... Try to wear loose clothing as often as possible so that it can breathe & if you have a foot tattoo, try to be shoe & sock free on as often as possible during the 1st week of the healing process. Obviously you have to live life but be mindful of your tattoo the same way you would a broken arm. You may have to change the way you do certain things until your arm heals. Same principle.


EXERCISE

Avoid putting stress on the tattooed area for a minimum of 2 weeks. This includes intense exercise & working out to the point of sweating, running, & all high intensity & physical sports. Working out contracts & expands the skin which is not good for the healing tattoo & settling ink. The other factor is the heat, sweat & potential germs. Working out is unfortunately not a good idea for a healing tattoo… trust me I feel you!

WHAT TO EXPECT

The tattoo will take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to heal. Every tattoo is different & every person heals at different rates. Stay consistent with your aftercare & plan ahead if you are going to be at work or away from home. Depending on where your tattoo is, be mindful of what activities to take part in during the healing process.

For example, walking for long periods with tattoos on the lower legs & feet is not recommended for best healing. Again you have to live life… work & other responsibilities are inevitable, just be mindful.

The tattoo may peel & flake or have small spots that scab up during the healing phase. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo! Allow the tattoo to peel & flake on it’s own. If it itches, pat it. Pat it good! An itchy tattoo is often a sign that it needs a thin layer of lotion… or that your shaved hair is coming back. Make sure to drink plenty water, it will help your skin regenerate and keep it healthy.

​If the tattoo swells up or is sore for any reason, you may use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the tattooed area, like you would for a sore muscle.

INFECTIONS

Infections are rare & most people never encounter one but a tattoo is an invasive procedure & it’s important to take the proper precautions to prevent them & also be aware of the potentials signs.

If at any time you think your tattoo may be infected, call a physician immediately so they can treat it properly. They may need to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection so it needs to be addressed ASAP.

The best way to avoid infection is keeping the tattoo clean & keeping it away from areas where you could pick up germs or bacteria.



SIGNS OF INFECTION

Tattooed area feels hot to the touch & is very sensitive to touch days after the tattoo

Red haze surrounding the tattoo area a week or more after the tattoo was done

Extreme crusty scabs which may be white, green, or yellowish in color

A bad smell or discharge of puss coming from the tattooed area

​​A fever shortly after the tattoo was completed