Aftercare Instructions
If your tattoo is covered with plastic wrap
Remove the plastic wrap applied by your tattoo artist after 2–6 hours. Do not re-wrap the tattoo, as plastic wrap prevents the skin from breathing and can cause the tattoo to start bleeding again.
Wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water. You can also use a mild, fragrance-free soap. Make sure to gently wash away any dried blood, plasma, or other residue that may have accumulated on the tattoo.
Do not apply moisturizer during the first 1–2 days, or for as long as the tattoo is still bleeding plasma and/or blood. Moisturizing too early does not help the healing process and may simply cause the tattoo to keep bleeding for longer. During this time, wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day. If you cannot keep the tattooed area completely uncovered, make sure any clothing that comes into contact with it is soft and clean.
If your tattoo is covered with an absorbent wound dressing
Leave the first dressing in place for the rest of the day or overnight, but no longer than 12 hours. After removing the dressing, wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water. You can also use a mild, fragrance-free soap. Make sure to gently wash away any dried blood, plasma, or other residue that may have accumulated on the tattoo.
Do not apply moisturizer during the first 1–2 days, or for as long as the tattoo is still bleeding plasma and/or blood. Moisturizing too early does not help the healing process and may simply cause the tattoo to keep bleeding for longer. During this time, wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day. If you cannot keep the tattooed area completely uncovered, make sure any clothing that comes into contact with it is soft and clean.
If you have been given additional dressings to take home, gently pat the tattoo dry after washing it, for example with a clean paper towel, and apply a fresh dressing. Change the dressing approximately every 12 hours, or twice a day. If the tattoo feels very dry or tight on the second or third day, you can gently apply a small amount of moisturizer before putting on a fresh dressing.
After the first few days
After the first 1–2 days, wash and moisturize your tattoo 1–3 times a day. A small amount of moisturizer is enough—the tattoo should not be covered in a thick layer or kept constantly moist, as this prevents the skin from breathing and can create an environment where bacteria can grow.
You can use any fragrance-free basic moisturizer that suits your skin type. In my experience, "dry healing"—allowing the tattoo to heal without applying moisturizer at all—is also a perfectly valid option if it works well for your skin.
After a few days, the skin over the tattoo will gradually begin to flake and peel. This is completely normal and part of the healing process. Do not pick, scratch, or pull at the peeling skin. Let it come off naturally.
Your tattoo may become itchy while it heals, but do not scratch or rub it. Gently patting the area or applying a cold compress may help relieve the itching. If the itching becomes unbearable, you can consider an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Kestine.
The tattooed area may be swollen, tender, warm, red, or may weep for several days after your appointment. Bruising can also occur and may range in color from yellow to purple. These are generally normal parts of the healing process and are not usually a cause for concern. However, if the tattoo becomes infected or you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink or an aftercare product, contact your tattoo artist immediately.
Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy sweating for the first couple of days after getting tattooed. Do not go swimming or use a sauna during the first two weeks. Avoid sunbathing and tanning beds for at least the first month.
Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of tattoo fading, so if you want to keep your tattoo looking its best, protect it carefully from the sun—especially during the first summer after getting it. Continue using sunscreen on your tattoo in the future, but do not apply sunscreen until the tattoo has completely healed.
My tattoos come with a six (6) month touch-up guarantee. If your tattoo loses more pigment than would normally be expected during this period, I will touch it up free of charge. However, if the tattoo fades due to improper aftercare, sun exposure, scratching, or similar causes, the touch-up will be charged at my standard hourly rate.