Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Last Updated: November 28th, 2025
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals well and maintains its quality.
Please follow the instructions below carefully. If you have any questions or experience
unusual symptoms, contact your artist immediately.
1. Leave the Bandage On
Your artist will apply a protective bandage or wrap. Leave this on for the amount of time
recommended—typically 2–4 hours, or longer if using medical-grade adhesive film
(such as Saniderm).
2. Washing Your Tattoo
- Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
- Gently remove the bandage.
- Wash the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap.
- Do not scrub—use your fingertips gently.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
3. Apply Moisturizer
- Use a thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo ointment or lotion.
- Recommended products: Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or fragrance-free Lubriderm.
- Apply 1–2 times daily for the first few days, then switch to a light lotion.
- Do not over-moisturize—your skin needs to breathe.
4. What to Expect During Healing
- Mild redness, tenderness, and swelling are normal.
- Your tattoo may feel dry or tight.
- Peeling and light scabbing typically occur around days 3–7.
- It may itch—do not scratch or pick.
5. Things to Avoid
- No picking, scratching, or peeling the flakes/scabs.
- No direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least 2–3 weeks.
- No swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs for 2–3 weeks.
- No heavy sweating or intense workouts for the first 3–5 days.
- No tight or dirty clothing on the tattooed area.
6. Showering
Showers are fine—just avoid soaking the tattoo. Keep showers short and avoid direct
high-pressure water on the area.
7. Sun Protection
Once fully healed (4–6 weeks), protect your tattoo with SPF 30 or higher to
prevent fading and damage.
8. Touch-Ups
If you experience abnormal fading or healing issues, contact your artist. Touch-ups are
offered at the artist’s discretion and may be free or require a fee depending on the cause.
9. When to Contact the Studio
Seek help immediately if you notice:
- Excessive redness or swelling after 3–4 days
- Pain that worsens instead of improves
- Pus, foul odor, or unusual discharge
- Rashes or signs of an allergic reaction
- Fever or chills
These may be signs of infection or allergic reaction and require attention.
10. Final Notes
Your tattoo is an investment—proper aftercare ensures it heals clean, vibrant, and long-lasting.
If you have any questions during the healing process, contact your artist or the studio.
