TATTOO AFTERCARE

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE TATTOO PROCESS IS THE HEALING PROCESS.

FOLLOW THE AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY FOR BEST HEALING RESULTS

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

On average it takes 2-3 weeks for a tattoo to heal completely. The healing process may take longer depending on the individual and their skin type. Remember: your fresh tattoo is an open cut.

What will I need for the healing process?

  1. Anti-bacterial Soap - Preferably unscented (i.e. Dial Original)

  2. Ointment - We recommend Aquaphor or any tattoo ointment made by a tattoo company i.e. Hustle Butter. (Stay away from ointment that contains vaseline or petroleum jelly)

  3. Unscented Lotion - We recommend Lubriderm, Aveeno, or Curel

  4. Saran Wrap - We recommend wrapping the tattoo each night before bed for the first 2 nights (this will prevent the excess ink and plasma from staining your beddings)

Day 1 - 4 (repeat this process 2x a day)

Your artist will wrap your tattoo on the first day, remove wrap after 3 hours & begin the after care steps below:

  1. Always wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap before touching your tattoo

  2. When your hands are clean, wash tattoo with warm water & anti-bacterial soap using only your fingertips.

  3. Make sure to gently wash off all excess: ink, plasma, blood and any other residue from your tattoo

  4. Air-dry your tattoo or pat-dry with a clean paper-towel until the area is completely dry

  5. Apply thin, breathable layer of ointment to tattoo and rub into the skin gently (do NOT apply too much ointment) Remember: a little ointment goes a long way.

  6. For the first 2 nights - wrap tattoo with saran wrap after it is washed and clean. Then next morning wash the area & let the tattoo air out

  7. Repeat this process 2x a day. If you are out in public places or if you are outside and the tattoo gets dirty, wash it right away with anti-bacterial soap to prevent infection

Day 5 - 14 (repeat this process 2x a day)

Day 4 or 5 your tattoo will begin to peel and it will begin to itch. It is important not to scratch, peel, or pick at your tattoo when it is in the itchy stage.

  1. During this stage of the healing process, stop using ointment on your tattoo & begin to use unscented lotion (i.e. Lubiderm)

  2. Continue to wash the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap, air-dry, and apply lotion until it is completely healed

What NOT to do while your tattoo is healing (2-3 weeks)

Remember your fresh tattoo is an open cut.

  1. Do not soak your tattoo in water (i.e. no tub bathes)

  2. No swimming in the ocean, pools, jacuzzis, rivers, ponds, or any bodies of water.

  3. Avoid directly sunlight on your tattoo (it will agitate your skin)

  4. Do not use tight clothing (any rubbing of clothing on your tattoo may cause the tattoo irritation & may cause ink to fall out

  5. Avoid working out (excess sweat & gyms are to be avoided for the first 3 days). When working out cover your tattoo to prevent infection. Shower using anti-bacterial soap immediately after working out.

  6. Do not scratch, peel, or pick your tattoo during the peeling stage.

  7. Do not shave over your fresh tattoo

Prevent Infections

  1. Do not let your tattoo touch unclean surfaces (i.e. if you have a forearm tattoo be mindful not to put your arm down on bar tops, restaurant tables, unclean surfaces, etc.

  2. If you have animals in your home, make sure your beddings are fresh & keep animals from sleeping in the same area.

  3. If you are traveling, be sure your tattoo is completely covered with a loose long sleeve or lose sweat pants

  4. Do not let people touch your tattoo without first washing their hands

Other options to heal tattoos

  1. Second skin options such as Saniderm or Derm Shield can be used to heal your tattoo.

  2. Second skin is an efficient and low-maintenance option

  3. Please do your research on best brands for second skin