TATTOO AFTERCARE

Now that you have been tattooed learning the Tattoo Aftercare rules and understanding the healing process are the next steps. We have compiled a comprehensive list of tattoo aftercare instructions to give you all the necessary answers. Each skin has a different sensitivity, contributing to the recovery process of a fresh tattoo. It is important to note that the recovery process also varies from person to person, as a person’s skin condition and type can differ significantly. So don’t compare your recovery process to one of your tattooed friends. Always consult with your artist about questions you may have. No question is a “dumb” question!

  • At the end of your session, your artist will bandage your tattoo. Please leave this bandage on for at least one hour. 

  • With clean hands, immediately wash the tattoo with gentle, non-scented, antibacterial soap. Do not scrub your new tattoo. Ensure all soap has been rinsed, then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  • Do not use a bath towel or cloth to dry your new tattoo, as this can leave bacteria.

  • Remember that your new tattoo is an open wound; you must treat it as such. 

  • Wash twice daily for one week.

  • Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer/ointment with clean hands and reapply when necessary. Too much can clog your pores and lead to irritation, and using too little could cause your tattoo to dry out.

  • While healing, you will shed the top layer of tattooed skin; this is normal. Do not pick, rub, or scrub your new tattoo.

  • Tattoos generally take three weeks to heal and up to a month to fully settle. Remember, your tattoo will be vulnerable and healing under the skin for up to 6 months.

  • Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least the first month. After that time, use sunscreen, and remember that any prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will fade tattoos over time.

  • Do not submerge your fresh tattoo, so avoid pools/swimming for the first month.

  • Avoid heavy workouts that involve the body part with the fresh tattoo for the first week. Excess sweating can lead to irritation. Keep your tattoo clean.

  • Avoid tight clothing and rubbing articles of clothing on the fresh tattoo area.

If you have questions during the healing process, please contact the shop or your artist directly. We are always happy to help!

COMMONLY ASKED TATTOO AFTERCARE QUESTIONS 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I MOISTURIZE MY TATTOO?

The number of times you will use a tattoo ointment or lotion is often recommended, depending on the tattoo's size. If the tattoo is big and takes up a lot of area on your skin, then you should apply it at least 2-3 times daily. If the tattoo is small, once or twice is more than enough. Always remember that you must take a small amount of cream and apply it slowly over the tattoo. 

It’s important not to over-apply the tattoo ointment. It can cut air circulation and cause more harm than good. Always clean the tattoo once before you apply the tattoo ointment.

WHEN IS MY TATTOO FULLY HEALED?

Many factors decide the time that is needed to heal your tattoo. Usually, it takes three to four weeks for the upper layer of skin to heal. In this stage, the scabs start peeling off, and you are in the process of recovering the layer that is being traumatized the most.  However, patience is essential because the underneath layer is not yet healed.  The layer underneath your skin will take much longer to heal, and it usually takes up to six months to completely heal.