Aftercare Instructions
If you were sent home with plastic wrap
(Traditional Method)
1-3 Hours After Your Tattoo
-
Wash your hands thoroughly
-
Remove the bandage or plastic wrap
-
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and an unscented antibacterial soap (Dial, Void Soap, or Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented)
-
Pat day with a clean paper towel
-
Allow to air dry completely for about 20 minutes
Apply Ointment
-
Apply a very thin layer of healing ointment (Aquaphor, Lubriderm, or any unscented light lotion).
-
The tattoo should look moisturized, not greasy.
-
Wash and reapply ointment 2–3 times per day for the first 3–5 days.
If you were sent home with Dermshield / Second Skin
(Medical Wrap)
Remove within 24 Hours (Do not leave on longer than 24 hours)
-
Wash your hands thoroughly
-
Peel slowly in a warm shower under running water.
-
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and an unscented antibacterial soap (Dial, Void Soap, or Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented)
-
Pat day with a clean paper towel
-
Allow to air dry completely for about 20 minutes
Apply Ointment
-
Apply a very thin layer of healing ointment (Aquaphor, Lubriderm, or any unscented light lotion).
-
The tattoo should look moisturized, not greasy.
-
Wash and reapply ointment 2–3 times per day for the first 3–5 days.
Overall Healing Timeline
Days 1–3
-
Keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturized.
-
Avoid soaking, sweating, and sun exposure.
Days 4-10
-
Tattoo may begin to itch and flake. This is normal.
-
Switch to a light, unscented lotion. (Lubriderm, Eucerin, or Void Soap Tattoo Butter).
-
Do not scratch or pick. Let flakes fall off naturally.
Days 10-21
-
Tattoo may appear dull or slightly dry. This part of healing.
-
Continue moisturizing twice daily.
-
Avoid excessive sun exposure and abrasion.
Overall Healing Timeline
Days 1–3
-
Keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturized.
-
Avoid soaking, sweating, and sun exposure.
Days 4-10
-
Tattoo may begin to itch and flake. This is normal.
-
Switch to a light, unscented lotion. (Lubriderm, Eucerin, or Void Soap Tattoo Butter
-
Do not scratch or pick. Let flakes fall off naturally.
Days 10-21
-
Tattoo may appear dull or slightly dry. This part of healing.
-
Continue moisturizing twice daily.
-
Avoid excessive sun exposure and abrasion.
Additional Healing Tips
What to Avoid
-
No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs) for 2-3 weeks
-
No direct sun or tanning beds for at least 3 week
-
No scratching, rubbing, or tight clothing over the tattoo
-
No petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or Neosporin - can clog pores or pull ink
-
No hydrocortisone cream - may cause pigment loss and increase infection risk
Watch for Signs of Infection
Contact your artist or a healthcare professional if you notice:
-
Redness spreading beyond the tattoo
-
Excessive swelling or pus
-
Fever or chills
-
Foul odor from the tattoo
General Guidelines
-
Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods to support skin healing
-
Wear loose, clean clothing to prevent friction
-
Keep pets and fur away form the tattooed area for the first week
-
Sleep on clean sheets, preferably dark colored
Once Fully Healed
-
Continue moisturizing to keep skin and ink vibrant
-
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen on your tattoo when exposed to sunlight
Additional Healing Tips
What to Avoid
-
No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs) for 2-3 weeks
-
No direct sun or tanning beds for at least 3 week
-
No scratching, rubbing, or tight clothing over the tattoo
-
No petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or Neosporin - can clog pores or pull ink
-
No hydrocortisone cream - may cause pigment loss and increase infection risk
Watch for Signs of Infection
Contact your artist or a healthcare professional if you notice:
-
Redness spreading beyond the tattoo
-
Excessive swelling or pus
-
Fever or chills
-
Foul odor from the tattoo
General Guidelines
-
Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods to support skin healing
-
Wear loose, clean clothing to prevent friction
-
Keep pets and fur away form the tattooed area for the first week
-
Sleep on clean sheets, preferably dark colored.
Once Fully Healed
-
Continue moisturizing to keep skin and ink vibrant
-
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen on your tattoo when exposed to sunlight