Aftercare for
    Tattoos   

We are extremely humbled in bringing life to each idea for our clients and are incredibly grateful to have been entrusted with yours!

Listen to any advice from your artist given

Your artist will likely give you both verbal instructions telling you how to look after your new tattoo over the coming weeks. Please, make sure you listen/take in all of the information extremely carefully as it is very crucial you take care of your tattoo properly while it moves through the aftercare phase to ensure everything heals as well as it possibly can.

Bandage Instructions

After your tattoo is finished, your artist will clean the area and may take pictures before proceeding to wrap it. Keep the bandage on for 3-5 days or as recommended by your tattoo artist. The bandage will build up plasma, ink pockets and blood during this time, but it is normal. It may seep out from under the bandage so always be mindful of this before climbing into bed with fresh sheets or when putting on a nice outfit over the bandage as the tattoo may stain your clothing and sheets. Wear dark colors and sleep with loose fitting clothes covering your tattoo.

Remove the wrap as instructed

When removing the bandage, it is best to do so in the shower. The adhesive may leave a red mark in the area from being on for the extended period of time, but this is also normal. Once removed, wash the tattoo gently with warm water and a mild antibacterial, non-scented soap. Dry the tattoo by patting it gently. or allowing it to air dry Do not rub the tattoo and do not rebandage the tattoo. Wait approximately 20 minutes, until your skin feels tight, before applying any aftercare cream, balm or lotion. 

Maintaining your tattoo while it heals

It’s essential to keep your tattoo as clean as possible to promote proper healing and to keep harmful germs and bacteria away from the wound. Washing your tattoo morning and night, and at any point in the day where you think it may have come into contact with something dirty should be enough to keep the tattoo nice and sterile. Be sure to not touch your tattoo without washing your hands first. Apply a thin layer of non-scented cream, balm and/or lotion recommended by your artist 3-4 times per day for the next 7-14 days. However, overuse of aftercare can trap germs in your new tattoo and can potentially lead to infection and/or pull the ink out, so don’t over-moisturize. Be sure to apply only a thin layer, dabbing off any excess with a paper towel. Do not apply any medicated ointments such as Polysporin. Petroleum based products, Vaseline, Aquaphor, Neosporin can clog pores, irritate or dry out the tattoo and are best to avoid. Please, contact a health care provider immediately at the first sign of an infection.

Don't Worry | Get Help if you need it

You will likely see many things happen to your new tattoo that you won’t be expecting, [i.e. peeling, flaking[ but the likelihood is that everything is usually completely fine. If you truly believe that something may be wrong with your tattoo, then it may be best to get further advice from a doctor. Your tattoo artist will always be more than happy to help if you require any assistance or have any further questions. Don’t hesitate to reach back out for any concerns.

Avoid Soaking

Bathing with a tattoo or allowing your tattoo under any water, other than a fresh shower, such as ocean water, lake water, a pool, jacuzzi, the river or even sauna can infect the tattoo with the bacteria from the water. All kinds of bodies of water harbor many billions of germs that are harmful to your tattoo. Chlorine in a swimming pool can also dry out the area, cause burning and irritation. Prolonged soaking causes the tattoo to soak through the soft tissue. Avoid any body of water until your tattoo has completely finished healing. The duration of this process differs for everyone. 

Avoid UV lights

There are few things more harmful to a tattoo than that big round fireball in the sky. The UV rays that the skin is exposed to while in direct sunlight or in sun tanning beds is extremely hazardous to new tattoos. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause multiple problems such as blistering, rashes and a horrendous scab resulting in faded spots in the tattoo before it is even healed, promoting scarring. Also, most sun tanning lotions contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that can be harmful to your new tattoo, which should be avoided entirely along with sunblock while the wound is healing. Wait until your new tattoo is fully healed for any exposure to sunlight or a tanning bed. Once healed, always do your best to put high quality sunblock when exposing it to any UV lights for tattoo longevity.

Avoid Alcohol | be health conscious

At least for several days after getting your tattoo as alcohol will thin your blood and can cause excess blood to pool under your bandage. Proper nutrition and hydration will support a healthy, quick healing process.

Avoid Picking

Disrupting the tattoo while it’s healing can cause the ink to fall out and scar tissue to develop. Your tattoo will form a thin scab and will be likely be itchy. The thin membrane peels off very similar to a sunburn and it is perfectly normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling or peeling away during this stage of healing. Do not pick, scratch or peel your tattoo or you will pull the ink out. 

Avoid Direct contact

Being mindful to our fresh tattoos. Avoid letting anyone touch it as well as remembering not to touch it yourself. Avoid allowing animals to brush up against or lick your new tattoo. The cleaner and the healthier you and your body is in general, the better your tattoo is going to heal. If you’re eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough rest and exercise, then your body will be in prime condition to heal in the fastest and in most efficient way possible.

Thank you so very much for the memorable experience!
Enjoy Your New Tattoo!