aftercare

caring for your new tattoo

healing process

how to care for your tattoo

The First Day

Keep that bandage on for 2-4 hours after you leave my studio. This gives your skin time to start its initial healing while staying protected from bacteria and debris.
Your first wash is important: Remove the bandage gently and wash your hands thoroughly. Using lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap, clean your tattoo with just your fingertips—no washcloths or scrubbing. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel, never a regular towel that might harbor bacteria.
Let it breathe after that first wash. Your tattoo needs air circulation to heal properly, so no rewrapping unless I've specifically told you otherwise.

Days 2-14: Active Healing

Your Daily Routine

  • Gentle washing 2-3 times each day with unscented antibacterial soap and lukewarm water
  • Careful drying with clean paper towels, always patting rather than rubbing
  • Light moisturizing with unscented lotion (stay away from anything that has petroleum jelly in it) applied sparingly 2-3 times daily
  • Remember: less is more when it comes to products—over-moisturizing can actually slow healing

What Your Body Will Do

  • Days 2-3: Your tattoo might feel tight and appear slightly raised—this is normal
  • Days 4-6: Peeling begins, and this is exactly what should happen
  • Days 7-14: Continued light peeling and some itching as new skin forms

Guidelines for Healing

What helps:

  • Keeping it clean and lightly moisturized
  • Wearing loose, soft clothing that won’t rub
  • Sleeping on fresh, clean sheets
  • Giving your tattoo room to breathe

Things NOT to do:

  • Picking, scratching, or peeling the skin (I know it’s tempting, but please resist)
  • Soaking in baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or the ocean
  • Direct sunlight or tanning beds
  • Scented lotions, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide
  • Intense workouts for the first few days

Weeks 2-4: Deeper Healing

Your tattoo might look completely healed on the surface, but deeper layers of skin are still rebuilding themselves. Continue with gentle care and keep avoiding sun exposure. Light exercise is usually fine by now, but trust your body’s signals.

important!
when to reach out
Please contact me right away if you notice:
  • Increasing redness, swelling, or unusual warmth around your tattoo
  • Any pus or strange discharge
  • Red streaks extending outward from your tattoo
  • Fever or feeling unwell
  • Pain that gets worse rather than better after the first few days
reach out here

best results

Protecting Your Investment

Sun protection becomes a lifelong habit.
UV rays will fade your tattoo faster than anything else. Once your tattoo is fully healed, high-SPF sunscreen becomes your tattoo's best friend
Healthy skin means a healthy-looking tattoo.
Staying hydrated and keeping your skin moisturized will help your tattoo stay vibrant over the years.