First Day and Night

If using a bandage or wrap, keep it on for a minimum of 6 hours. Overnight is best! If you are using Saniderm (a.k.a. second skin) applied by your artist, you can leave that on for as long as 3 days. Remove if it starts to get overfilled, leak or otherwise get too messy.

The tattoo may bleed on the first day and night. If dried blood sticks to your clothes or bedding, gently take the fabric off, making sure not to force it or rip it. If it is stuck, use lukewarm water to get it to slide off.

The first day you may be sore, swollen, and your skin may appear red—this is normal. Swelling and redness should reduce after the first day. Ice the tattoo using a clean towel or paper towel and an ice pack to help with any swelling and pain.

Unbandaging and Cleaning Your Tattoo

Once you take the bandage off, wash with cool water and a non-chemical soap and apply a very thin layer of ointment. However much ointment you think you need, divide it by 3.

Pat the tattoo—do not scrub.

Remember—A tattoo is an open wound, so anything that comes into contact with the tattoo can affect the healing process. Certain medications, such as Ibuprofen, can be taken to help with inflammation and pain reduction.

Clean the tattoo only as needed (may depend on job or day-to-day activities). Please do not use anything with chemicals.

Fresh tattoos can sometimes leak plasma and ink, known as “weeping”. You can dab it or press it with a clean paper towel. Do not wipe the tattoo.

Daily Aftercare Routine and Tips

After showering, pat your tattoo dry as opposed to rubbing or scrubbing your tattoo. This can cause pain, irritation and affect the quality of the healed tattoo.

We advise against using Aquaphor and Vaseline as these petroleum based products can clog your pores, which may lead to infection.

Clean clothes, towels and bedding are highly recommended during the healing process. Wear loose clothing to avoid constriction over a fresh tattoo.

Please do not soak your tattoo for at least two weeks. We advise against entering swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, and other bodies of water.

Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo until it is healed. After that, use sunblock on your tattoo whenever in direct sunlight. Sun exposure will compromise the quality of your tattoo over time.

After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. Doing so can affect the healing process of your tattoo as well as the quality. Keep it moisturized and the flakes and scabs will eventually heal.

Happy Healing!

If you follow these instructions, your tattoo should be completely healed within two to four weeks. If you have any questions, feel free to email us and we will get back with you as soon as possible.

We love to receive pictures of your healed tattoos! Please feel free to email them to us or message them to your artist.