Aftercare Instructions
Congrats on the new tattoo! Please keep in mind that your body is treating your new addition just like it would any other open wound. That means being conscious of aftercare, as well as your surroundings, while it heals. Please keep in mind that different professionals provide variations on aftercare – just because it’s different doesn’t necessarily make it wrong, but please reach out to us if you have questions about deviating from our recommended aftercare.
- Your fresh tattoo was bandaged upon completion. Try and keep that on for at least a few hours, ideally until the end of the day; if saniderm or tegaderm was used (the medical seran wrap), keep this on for at least a couple of days – if it naturally begins to peel up, you can remove it sooner.
- Once you’ve removed the bandage, rinse and wash it thoroughly using warm water, antibacterial soap and your hands (try and avoid anything that is going to be textured or abrasive to your skin). For more in depth advice on what to use on your skin, check out our tattoo aftercare products article.
- Pat (don’t wipe) dry with a paper towel. You can use a cloth towel, but be mindful that the ink has an opportunity to stain whatever fabric you’re using.
- After drying, lightly apply tattoo aftercare lotion. This should be done 1-2 times a day. We recommend Lubriderm or Aquphor- you can use pretty much anything, just make sure it’s unscented. Remember, lightly, there is such a thing as too much and too heavy, which can negatively impact healing.
- Again, treat it like you would anything else that’s healing – keep it clean! Normal showers are fine, but avoid soaking the tattoo, particularly as it’s scabbing.
- A tattoo can take anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks to heal entirely, based on the individual. Quickest way to know that it’s healed: it’s no longer shiny.
And now for the list of what to make sure you avoid:
- Don’t soak, don’t over moisturize.
- Avoid scratching (expect a little bit of an itch) or picking any scabs that form. They’re normal, and scratching them off may lead to slight scarring and loss of ink.
- If it’s standing water, stay away from it. No pools. No hot tubs. No Oceans, definitely no rivers.
- Avoid direct sunlight and once your tattoo has healed, try and remember apply sunscreen (don’t worry, we forget about that one too).
If there are any questions regarding the do’s and the do not’s, reach out to us, that’s what we’re here for. If you’re looking for more information on tattoo aftercare, check out our in-depth article on the healing process.
