Aftercare

Immediately After Your Tattoo

1. Leave the Dressing On:
   • Keep the dressing on for a minimum of two hours and no more than five hours. This protects your tattoo from airborne bacteria and allows the dressing to absorb any oozing fluids. Please also put on the dressing for the first two nights only.
2. Removing the Dressing:
   • After removing the dressing, gently wash your tattoo using antibacterial soap to clean away any ointment, blood, and plasma.
   • Use your hand—do not use washcloths or anything abrasive.
3. Dry the Area:
   • Pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent irritation.
4. Apply Aftercare Cream:
   • Apply the recommended aftercare cream (e.g., Tattoo Goo, Easy Tattoo, or Bepanthen) as instructed by your artist.

First 3 Days

• Frequent Cleaning:
  • Wash your tattoo 3–4 times a day with antibacterial soap.
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your tattoo.
  • After washing, reapply aftercare cream to keep the tattoo moisturized.
• Moisturize Regularly:
  • Ensure your tattoo remains moisturized at all times for the next 10 days. If it dries out, scabbing may form, which can pull ink out of your tattoo and affect its quality.
  • Apply aftercare cream 3–5 times a day for 7–10 days.
• Protect Your Tattoo:
  • Keep pets away from your fresh tattoo to avoid contamination.

Healing Process (7–10 Days)

1. General Care:
   • A good tattoo is 50% you! Proper aftercare is crucial during the healing process, especially in the first few days when the risk of infection is highest.
   • Avoid scratching or picking at peeling skin or scabs. This can cause bleeding, loss of color, scarring, and prolong the healing process.
2. What to Avoid:
   • Swimming: Avoid swimming in pools, jacuzzis, or soaking in the bathtub during the healing phase.
   • Sunlight/Tanning: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight or tanning beds until fully healed. Once healed, always use a high SPF sunscreen 50+ to protect the tattoo.
   • Steam Rooms/Saunas: Avoid these environments until the tattoo is completely healed.
   • Excessive Sweating: Refrain from cardio, gym, or activities that may cause excessive sweating for at least 1–2 weeks.
3. Moisturizing and Itching:
   • As your tattoo heals, it may itch. Do not scratch or peel the area. Allow any skin to shed naturally.
   • Continue to moisturize to reduce itching and support healing.
4. Healing Appearance:
   • During healing, you may notice a “silver skin” or lighter appearance of the tattoo. This is normal and will improve as the tattoo settles into your skin over the next 2–3 weeks.

Long-Term Care

• Always protect your tattoo from sun exposure using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ (not in the first 7 days)
• Follow all instructions provided by your artist to ensure the best results and long-lasting tattoo quality.