TATTOO Aftercare

Please follow the guidelines below to ensure the best results

Please be mindful of the fact that at least 50% of the overall appearance of the tattoo is contingent on following proper aftercare protocol. If you have any questions or concerns, please send me an email.

Day 1-4:

Your fresh tattoo may be red, warm to the touch, and a little swollen. This is all normal.

  • After the tattoo is finished, a “second skin” bandage will be applied on top of the tattoo (I use a brand called Tegaderm). This is a medical-grade bandage that is water-resistant and acts as a barrier that will protect the tattoo from dirt and other irritants.

  • Leave the second skin bandage on for 3-4 days. You may shower as normal with the bandage on.

Day 4-14:

At this stage, the ink should start to settle in the body and may darken slightly. There should be little soreness remaining, though redness may persist, which is normal.

  • Remove the second skin bandage while in the shower.

  • Gently wash the tattoo with plain, unscented soap.

  • Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Avoid using a common hand towel or bath towel, as this may introduce bacteria into the healing tattoo.

  • Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of plain, unscented lotion to keep the tattoo moisturized. Do not oversaturate the tattoo; there should only be enough to thinly coat the surface of the skin.

  • Repeat this cleansing & moisturizing routine 2x a day.

Day 14-21:

At this stage, the surface of the skin should be healed. This means you can withdraw from the daily washing of the tattoo.

Despite the skin being healed on the surface, the ink pigment under the skin is still unsettled. Please continue to avoid direct sun exposure during this time.

Day 21 onward:

The pigment under the skin should be relatively settled at this stage, but it can take several more weeks for a tattoo to be fully healed.

To maintain the tattoo’s quality over time, continue to protect the tattoo from the sun by either keeping it covered or using an SPF sunblock (reapplying every 2 hours).

If you’d like to schedule a touch-up, please email me and include a picture of the healed tattoo.

During the entire healing process, please abstain from:

  • Exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight

    • UV rays from the sun break down tattoo pigment, so sun exposure WILL cause premature fading.

    • Sunscreen is great for maintaining a tattoo that is already healed, but it will not protect a fresh tattoo adequately

  • Physical activity/exercise that will result in excessive sweating

    • Saline (including the salt in sweat) draws tattoo pigment out of the skin and WILL cause premature fading.

    • Sweating also introduces bacteria to the new tattoo and can cause an infection.

  • Exposing the tattoo to excess moisture

    • Although showering is perfectly fine, soaking your tattoo in water can expose it to bacteria, thereby increasing the risk of infection.

    • Avoid taking baths, very long showers, swimming pools, and saunas

  • Scratching, picking, or itching the tattoo

Please remember that tattoos, although entirely elective, are still open wounds and must be treated appropriately to ensure both your physical health/safety and the best quality for your tattoo.

If you experience excessive pain, swelling, redness, or fever, consult your physician ASAP.