Tattoo Aftercare Guide

Do

-TREAT YOUR NEW TATTOO LIKE AN OPEN WOUND - keep it clean, wash your hands before touching it, do not let others touch your tattoo

-Remove your bandage after 2-5 hours and wash gently

-Use dye-free and fragrance-free lotion or ointment such as Lion’s Tooth Apothecary Herbal Salve, Griffin Salve, Hustle Butter, or H2Ocean for the next 2 weeks, apply a THIN layer 2-5 times per day. Less is best! It is better to apply small amounts more frequently than to apply too much at once.

-Shower and wash your tattoo with dye-free, fragrance-free soap, lukewarm water and your bare hands - it is OK to get it wet just DO NOT soak it and DO NOT use anything abrasive to clean the area (your bare hands will be the most gentle) Gently pat dry

-Protect your tattoo from the sun - keep it covered while it is healing and after it is fully healed apply sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher for the life of your tattoo. Be Aware: exposure to UV rays from tanning beds or sunlight will fade and damage any tattoo

-Keep pets and children away from your new tattoo

-Watch for signs of infection such as intense redness that does not go away or which gets worse over several days, excessive pain in the area, skin feeling hot to the touch and swollen, pus, and/or fever - If you think your tattoo is infected seek medical attention immediately.

Don't

-Don't submerge your tattoo in a bath, hot tub or shared water such as pools, or oceans or let it soak under water during the healing process-No swimming during healing!

-Don't rub your tattoo with anything abrasive 

-Don't use Neosporin, A&D, Vaseline, or anything with petroleum on your tattoo

-Don't scratch your healing tattoo (if it itches, try gently slapping it)

-Don’t drink alcohol for the next 24-48 hours

-Don't wear tight clothing in the area of your tattoo. Tight clothing/shoes can cause excess rubbing which will damage your tattoo as well as restrict oxygen flow to the area, which is essential to healing- this is especially important for tattoos on feet, along bra lines and pants lines where extra rubbing occurs. Wear loose cotton clothing

What to Expect During Healing

-Swelling, redness and soreness around your tattoo immediately after getting it - this is completely normal and your body's natural reaction to the tattoo process. Icing the area can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Swelling should begin to go down on its own within 24-48 hours. Residual swelling, redness and soreness is common for 72 hours. 

-Some bleeding and/or oozing ink within the first few days is normal- this can be exacerbated by drinking alcohol, which should be avoided immediately before and after getting a tattoo. Clean any excess blood, plasma and ink from your tattoo using soap and lukewarm water to avoid premature scabbing.

-Peeling - after a few days your tattoo will start to peel like a sunburn - this is a normal part of the healing process; keep it moisturized and don't pick at it.

-Scabbing - if you experience scabbing, don't pick or scratch, let the scabs heal on their own, keep them lightly moisturized. Picking a scabbed tattoo will pull the color out and cause the tattoo to heal 'spotty'.

If you have any questions regarding the healing process please contact your artist for advice - we are happy to help!