TATTOO AFTERCARE
*ALWAYS USE CLEAN, WASHED HANDS*
❤️🩹 If using second skin: 1-5 days after application, gently peel off in the shower.
Warm water may help with pain and irritation during removal.
Using a stretching (rather than peeling) motion might also help.
If second skin seal becomes broken or punctured, remove right away.
❤️🩹 If using saran wrap or a bandage:
Remove within 2-3 hours post tattoo.
Do not replace or re-cover.
💦 🧼 Gently wash with warm water & antibacterial liquid soap (unscented is best).
Thoroughly pat dry with a clean towel or new paper towel.
🧴 Apply a thin layer of ointment or tattoo balm after washing and drying (or anytime the tattoo feels dry or itchy).
After 3-5 days you may switch to unscented lotion, or continue using ointment/balm.
Peeling, itching, and scabs can be expected for the first one to two weeks.
🔁 Repeat washing, drying & moisturizing your healing tattoo:
2 to 3 times a day (& after getting dirty or sweaty).
For 2 to 3 weeks.
❌ AVOID:
Soaking or swimming in pools, bathtubs, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, saunas, etc.
Direct or prolonged sun exposure.
Excessive exercise/ prolonged sweating.
Pets touching the healing tattoo.
Tight or constrictive clothing touching the tattoo.
Picking possible scabs (let them fall off on their own).
Aggressively itching the still healing skin.
Shaving over the tattoo while it’s still scabbing.
Cleaning it with alcohol, peroxide, or other harsh methods.
Using sunblock directly on the tattoo for the first 4 weeks.
✅ DO:
Treat your healing tattoo like a fresh wound.
Keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturized.
Keep covered and protected by loose, clean clothing.
Keep covered in the sun, and if getting dirty (gardening, working, etc.)
👍 Your tattoo is considered fully healed after 3 months.
3 months & on: protect the tattoo from sun exposure, & keep the skin moisturized.
This will help keep your tattoos looking their best for life.
🚨 If you suspect your tattoo is infected, you must go to hospital ASAP.
Signs of infection include:
Tight or excessively swollen skin that feels hot, darkening or spreading redness, pus or discharge, fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms.