Tattoo Aftercare
HOW TO PROTECT AND HEAL YOUR NEW TATTOO
Proper aftercare is essential for clean healing and the long-term appearance of your tattoo. Read through all instructions before beginning, follow the bandage guidance I provided for your specific tattoo, and contact me if you are unsure about any part of the healing process.
These instructions are general guidance and do not replace professional medical care. If you experience signs of infection, a severe reaction, or rapidly worsening symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional.
Step 1: PROTECTIVE BANDAGE
After your tattoo is complete, I may cover it with a waterproof, breathable adhesive bandage. Keep the bandage in place for the amount of time I specifically recommend for your tattoo. The appropriate wear time can vary depending on the bandage used, tattoo placement, skin sensitivity, and the amount of fluid produced during healing.
A small amount of blood, plasma, and excess ink collecting beneath the bandage is normal and may temporarily make the tattoo look blurry or distorted.
Remove the bandage early if it begins leaking, the seal lifts enough to expose the tattoo, water becomes trapped underneath it, or you develop significant burning, swelling, or irritation around the adhesive. Once the seal is broken, the bandage is no longer fully protecting the tattoo. Do not puncture or drain the fluid pocket.
While the bandage is on, showers are fine, but avoid soaking it, excessive sweating, direct sunlight, pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs. Contact me if you are unsure whether the bandage should be removed.
Step 2: REMOVE THE BANDAGE & CLEAN THE TATTOO
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo. Remove the adhesive bandage slowly, preferably in a warm shower. Gently stretch and pull the bandage back over itself, staying close and parallel to the skin rather than pulling it straight upward. Removing it in the direction of hair growth may make the process more comfortable.
Once the bandage is removed, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. Use only clean fingertips—do not scrub or use a washcloth, loofah, sponge, or exfoliating product. Rinse away all soap, plasma, and excess ink with a gentle stream of water.
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean disposable paper towel. Do not rub it or reuse a bath towel that may carry bacteria. Allow the skin to air-dry for another five to ten minutes before applying any recommended aftercare product.
Do not reapply the used bandage or place another adhesive bandage over the tattoo unless I have specifically instructed you to do so.
Step 3: MOISTURIZE LIGHTLY
Once the tattoo is clean and completely dry, apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product I recommend or a mild, fragrance-free, water-based lotion. Use only enough to lightly moisturize the skin—the tattoo should not look wet, glossy, or coated.
Reapply a small amount when the tattoo begins to feel dry or tight. Applying too much product can leave the area overly moist, so allow the skin to breathe and make sure each layer absorbs fully.
Some dryness, itching, flaking, and light scabbing can be a normal part of healing. Do not scratch, pick, peel, or remove any skin or scabs, as this can interfere with healing and pull pigment from the tattoo.
Step 4: PROTECT IT WHILE IT HEALS
Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, and any prolonged soaking until the tattoo is fully healed. Showers are fine.
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid clothing or activities that repeatedly rub or irritate the area. Once fully healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to help preserve the tattoo.
Step 5: MONITOR THE HEALING
Mild redness, tenderness, itching, flaking, and light scabbing can be normal during healing. Contact me if you are unsure about how the tattoo looks or feels.
Seek medical care for worsening pain or swelling, spreading redness, unusual warmth, pus, foul-smelling drainage, red streaks, or fever, as these may indicate infection
COMPLIMENTARY TOUCH-UPS
I stand behind my work and offer one complimentary touch-up when I determine it is necessary. Touch-ups are typically scheduled one to three months after the original appointment, once the tattoo has fully healed.
Complimentary touch-ups do not cover fading or damage caused by improper aftercare, excessive sun exposure, picking or scratching, avoidable injury, or failure to follow the provided healing instructions. Once healed, send me clear photos of any areas of concern so I can evaluate the tattoo.
Important Aftercare Notice
Your tattoo is completed using professional sanitary procedures and is clean and protected when you leave the studio. Proper healing depends on following the provided aftercare instructions and protecting the area from contamination, soaking, excessive sun exposure, friction, scratching, and picking.
Some redness, tenderness, itching, and flaking can be normal during healing. Contact me if you are unsure about the process, and seek medical care for spreading redness, worsening pain or swelling, unusual warmth, pus, red streaks, fever, or other rapidly worsening symptoms.
These instructions provide general aftercare guidance and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.