Tattoo Aftercare

Your new tattoo is an open wound and open flesh is prime breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Following these steps can prevent infections and help your tattoos) heal nicely.

Keep It Clean.

For plastic wrap: 1-2 hours, Clean your hands, then unwrap the tattoo. You can remove the plastic wrap from your fresh tattoo as long as you have access to clean water and unscented, non-alcoholic, antibacterial soap (i.e. Dial, Johnson's Baby Wash, Softsoap, Dr. Bronner's Unscented Castille Soap, etc.)

For second skin: leave for 3-4 days or take off if sweat build up occurs

Use warm water and antibacterial soap to remove all of the gunk on the surface of the tattoo. It's just plasma, excess ink and sweat but it needs to be washed off.

Do NOT scrub your new tattoo!

Keep It Moisturized.

After washing, gently pat dry with a clean paper towel, and allow the tattoo to air for a few minutes. Once the area is dry, make sure to apply a thin layer of fragrance-tree moisturizer (i.e. Aquaphor, Vaseline, Aveeno, or Coconut Oil).

Moisturize at least twice a day, after washing, or if the skin feels dry.

Do NOT use antibacterial lotions like Neosporin or Curad.

Post Heal Care.

Always wear SPF on your tattoos.

Try to cover your tattoo from direct sunlight. This will ensure that your tattoo ages well and will stay looking crisp for as long as possible.

BASIC INFO:

Always clean your hands before cleaning a tattoo.

Only unwrap a fresh tattoo if you can clean it immediately.

Tattoos need to be cleaned twice a day with antibacterial soap.

Clean tattoos in the shower, never the bath.

Never use alcohol based products on fresh tattoos.

Do not touch a fresh tattoo unless you have cleaned your hands first.

Only apply a thin layer of aftercare balm, WITH CLEAN HANDS.

Do not over-bandage your tattoo, it needs air to heal.

Never allow fresh tattoos to come into contact with pet hair or saliva, bathroom towels, tight clothing or anything that could harbor bacteria.

Never swim or go in hot tubs/saunas with a fresh or healing tattoo.

Tattoos usually take 2 weeks to heal fully. They will be red, swollen and sore for the first couple of days, then they should tighten and dry out, and a thin, flaky scab will form.

It is normal for tattoos to get a little bit itchy. DO NOT itch, apply moisturizer instead.

Never pick scabs/flakes off your tattoo.