Tattoo Care
Proper After Care Is Simple
General educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed tattoo artist before making any decisions related to your tattoo aftercare.
Most Important Do’s & Do nots ! ! !
- Absolutely under no conditions should you let anyone but yourself (with clean hands), the artist who did the tattoo or a doctor touch your healing tattoo!!!
- Do not go swimming, soak or submerge your healing tattoo in any body of water for at least 3 weeks. You can still shower normally just dont let the water hit the piece directly. Absolutely no sauna!!!!
- Do keep your fresh tattoo covered up and away from direct sunlight for at least 3 weeks, wear loose clothing if possible and when possible when shading your tattoo from the sun.
- Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo!!! It is normal for a healing tattoo to begin to itch during the healing process, when it is scabbing. Instead of scratching try slapping or moisturizing the areas that are itching.
- Do not go to gym for at least 2 weeks!!!
Day 1-3
On day one your artist will wrap your arm using a special ointment and plastic wrap that you will leave on for an hour. First and foremost before ever touching your fresh tattoo make sure to wash both hands using antibacterial soap!!!
Upon completing the hour you will then unwrap the tattoo and begin the process of cleaning the tattoo. Using your freshly cleaned hands gently splash lukewarm water on the tattoo and rinse off any ointment or any gunk that may have built up under the wrap. After rinsing off the tattoo with lukewarm water, begin lathering your hands with antibacterial soap.
You will then gently massage the soap onto the tattooed area, making sure to effectively clean the entire tattoo and remove any leftover ointments or built up plasma. After gently scrubbing the entire tattoo with your hand and antibacterial soap, feel free to rinse it once again using lukewarm water. Once you are done rinsing off the antibacterial soap gently pat your tattoo dry using a clean towel or disposable towels.
It is then that you will add a *THIN* layer of Aquaphor or A&D to the tattoo. You will repeat this process for the first 3 days doing it 3 times a day. You will clean the tattoo in the morning, in the middle of the day and before you go to bed at night. Make sure to wear loose clothing over the tattooed area for the first 3 days if possible.
Day 4-21
After the first 3 days your tattoo will begin to scab and dry out, this is normal and a part of the healing process. Do not pick at the scabs or scratch them, instead let them fall off naturally. If your tattoo begins to itch and the urge is too great feel free to moisturize or slap your tattoo tattoo. On day 4 you will stop using the Aquaphor, or A&D, and begin using normal unscented lotion after cleaning your tattoo.
Days 4-7 you may continue to wash your tattoo 3 times a day but it is no longer required, twice a day will suffice. Of course if you feel at anytime that your tattoo needs to be cleaned because of activities or work conditions feel free to do so. Make sure to moisturize your tattoo with unscented lotion after washing it. After day 7 you no longer have to wash your tattoo your routine shower will suffice. Instead you will just moisturize your tattoo throughout the day with your unscented lotion.
Generally moisturizing 2-3 times a day is fine but feel free to use your own judgment if you feel more is required. Make sure to keep your tattoo away from direct sunlight for the entire healing process. For the remainder of the healing process you will continue to moisturize your tattoo whenever necessary. After day 21 your tattoo is considered healed. To keep your tattoo looking crispy and fresh make sure to always moisturize and use sunscreen whenever exposing your skin to the sun.
Aftercare Items:
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and vibrant colors. Here's a handy checklist to guide you through the process: Do not use 100% petroleum.
Aquaphor
1-3 Days
Tattoo artist's secret weapon. Hydrates, soothes, and speeds healing. Get some for your fresh ink!
A&D Ointment
2-3 Days
Boosts healing & keeps colors vibrant. Then switch to gentle lotion! (Informal, emphasizes duration)
Lubriderm
After 3 Days
It's gentle, fragrance-free, making it ideal for keeping your new ink clean and moisturized without irritating the sensitive skin.
Eucerin
After 3 Days
Post-wash patdown & hydration. Keep washing 2-3 times daily for 2 weeks, and lotion up 3-4 times a day during that time
Dial Soap
0-2 Weeks
Use unscented antibacterial soap (Dial Gold rocks) 2-3 times daily for 2-3 weeks to avoid infection and promote healing.
Dove Soap
0-2 Weeks
Showers are fine-just No Soaking! Using fragrance-free soap gently wash all excess blood, ointment, ink, and plasma from your tattoo.
Sun Srceen
1-2 Weeks After
(Any brand) After the tattoo is fully healed, SPF 50, and if you've had your ink for a while, SPF 30 is totally fine just never below that.