TATTOO AFTERCARE

• Your artist knows how your tattoo was applied and what is best for your specific piece.
• If you have questions or concerns during healing, reach out to your artist before changing your aftercare routine.

• Keep the second-skin bandage on for approximately 3–4 days.
• A small amount of blood, plasma, or ink underneath the bandage is normal.
• Remove the bandage sooner if it becomes loose, water gets underneath it, or you develop significant irritation.
• Ideally, remove the bandage toward the end of a shower to help loosen the adhesive.
• Do not aggressively pull the bandage off while it is completely dry.
• Slowly peel it back over itself, stretching the bandage as you go, rather than pulling directly upward from the skin.

• Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
• Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free liquid soap.
• Use only your clean fingertips.
• Do not use bar soap, washcloths, loofahs, or sponges.
• Do not scrub or exfoliate the tattoo.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel — do not rub.
• Allow the tattoo to air-dry briefly if needed.

• Apply a very thin layer of lightweight, fragrance-free lotion.
• A little goes a long way.
• Moisturize approximately 2–3 times daily or as needed.
• Your tattoo should not look greasy, wet, or excessively shiny.
• Avoid heavy layers of petroleum-based products.

• Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth
• Slight clear or tinted fluid
• Itching
• Dryness or tightness
• Peeling or flaking
• A dull, cloudy, or slightly uneven appearance while healing

DO NOT PICK, SCRATCH, OR PEEL YOUR TATTOO.

• Let peeling skin fall away naturally.
• If it's itchy, gently pat or tap the area instead of scratching.

• Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight.
• Do not apply sunscreen to an unhealed tattoo.
• Once completely healed, use SPF 30–50+ whenever your tattoo is exposed to the sun.
• Sun exposure can cause tattoos to fade faster.

• Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing when possible.
• Avoid tight clothing, straps, waistbands, or anything that repeatedly rubs against the tattoo.
• Be especially mindful of friction during the first week.

• Normal showers are okay.
• Avoid excessively hot or prolonged showers.
• Do NOT submerge your tattoo until it is fully healed.
• Avoid baths.
• Avoid swimming pools.
• Avoid hot tubs or Jacuzzis.
• Avoid lakes.
• Avoid rivers.
• Avoid oceans.
• Avoid saunas and steam rooms.

• Be mindful of excessive sweating, friction, stretching, and contact with the tattoo.
• Avoid workouts or equipment that repeatedly rub against the healing area.
• Keep gym equipment and anything touching the tattoo clean.

• Keep your bedding clean while your tattoo is healing.
• Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo when possible.
• If your tattoo sticks to fabric, do not pull it off dry.
• Moisten the fabric with lukewarm water and gently release it.

• Keep pets from licking, scratching, or rubbing against your tattoo.
• Avoid direct contact with pet hair, saliva, and dirty pet bedding while your tattoo is healing.

• Stay hydrated.
• Eat regular, balanced meals.
• Get enough rest.
• Your body needs time and energy to heal your skin.

• Picking or scratching
• Peeling the tattoo
• Scrubbing or exfoliating
• Fragranced lotions or harsh products
• Heavy layers of moisturizer
• Direct sunlight
• Sunscreen on an unhealed tattoo
• Swimming or soaking
• Hot tubs and baths
• Tight clothing or excessive friction
• Letting pets lick or rub against the tattoo
• Using unfamiliar products without checking with your artist

• Most tattoos take approximately 2–4 weeks for the surface of the skin to heal.
• Deeper layers can continue healing beyond this.
• Your tattoo may look dull, cloudy, dry, or flaky during healing.
• Don't judge the final appearance while your tattoo is still healing.
• Be patient and allow your skin to heal at its own pace.

• If something about your tattoo concerns you, contact your artist.
• If symptoms become severe, unusual, or progressively worse, seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
• Your artist can provide tattoo aftercare guidance but cannot diagnose medical conditions or infections.