Aftercare

How to take care of your new art investment!

It’s up to you to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully! Neglecting aftercare can absolutely impact how your tattoo looks in the future, so take good care of your investment.

Now that my job is done -

* Always handle your tattoo with clean, washed hands!

Keeping your tattoo clean is essential to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.

Dry healing (leaving the studio with cling wrap or meat packers): Leave the covering on for the rest of the day, and take it off the next morning before a shower. Wash the tattoo in the shower with unscented soap, and pat dry with a fresh clean bath towel.

Second Skin (Tegaderm): Leave the second skin on for at least 3–5 days. You can remove it whenever works best for you after that, but the ideal time is at the end of the day in the shower.

To remove it second skin:

  • Pull the Derm off the same as you would a command strip, at a 45 degree angle.

  • Wash the area gently with unscented soap.

  • Let running water rinse it off—avoid excessive rubbing, as this can pull out scabbing and ink.

  • Use a fresh clean bath towel while your tattoo is healing.

Daily Cleaning:

Your tattoo is an open wound, so it’s crucial to keep it as clean as possible. Dirt and bacteria can accumulate throughout the day, so wash your tattoo gently once a day for up to two weeks.

Healing Symptoms:

It’s completely normal for your tattoo to feel itchy, scabby, tight, flaky, or even peel. Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo, as this can affect the final result and increase the risk of infection.

Moisturizing:

Apply a water-based, unscented lotion twice daily—or as needed—until the tattoo is fully healed (usually 2–4 weeks).

  • If your tattoo feels or looks dry, apply lotion.

  • If it looks hydrated, let it be. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.

When to Reach Out: If you notice anything unusual beyond peeling, itching, scabbing, or tightness, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m here to help!

When in doubt, always contact your health practitioner if you are unsure and concerned.

By following this aftercare regimen, your tattoo should heal beautifully. Thank you for trusting me with your tattoo!

Great lotions to use for healing and beyond:

Any water-based, unscented lotion is perfect! No oils, Vaseline/ Aquaphor, Polysporin or sunscreens while healing.

Sunscreen can and should be used once your tattoo is fully healed.