Proper aftercare is essential to the appearance and longevity of your tattoo. Healing varies from person to person depending on skin type, placement, lifestyle, immune response, and adherence to aftercare instructions.
Failure to properly care for your tattoo may result in loss of color, scarring, infection, or the need for additional touch-up work.
If you experience severe redness, swelling, pus, fever, or signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately.
Days 1–2
Leave Your Bandage On
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Leave your bandage on for approximately 2–6 hours after your tattoo session unless otherwise instructed by your artist.
Wash Hands Thoroughly
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Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or removing the bandage.
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Once the bandage is removed, gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (such as diluted Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented or another gentle unscented cleanser).
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Do not use bar soap
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Clean the tattoo gently twice daily. Do not scrub, use washcloths, or apply excessive pressure.
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Avoid soaps containing fragrances, dyes, exfoliants, alcohol, or harsh chemicals.
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Pat the tattoo dry using a clean paper towel or freshly washed towel. Do not rub the area.
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Avoid excessive touching of the tattoo during the healing process.
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Do not soak the tattoo or expose it to pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, rivers, or saunas.
Days 3 and beyond
Recommended Products
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Lubriderm (Unscented)
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Cetaphil (Unscented)
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Coconut Oil (sparingly)
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Continue washing your tattoo gently twice daily with clean hands and fragrance-free soap.
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After the tattoo is fully dry, apply a very thin layer of unscented moisturizer as needed throughout the day.
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Wait approximately 48 hours before beginning moisturizer application unless instructed otherwise by your artist.
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Do not over-moisturize. Excess moisture can delay healing and irritate the tattoo.
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Do not re-bandage the tattoo unless specifically instructed.
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Wear loose, clean clothing that does not rub or stick to the tattoo.
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Avoid direct sunlight, tanning, swimming, steam rooms, and excessive sweating during healing.
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Peeling, flaking, mild itching, and dryness are normal parts of the healing process.
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Do not scratch, pick, peel, or shave the tattoo while healing. Picking at scabs or peeling skin may cause ink loss or scarring.
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If itching occurs, lightly pat or slap the area instead of scratching.
Important healing information
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Tattoos typically heal on the surface within 2–3 weeks, but complete healing beneath the skin may take up to 4–6 weeks.
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Healing results vary depending on placement, skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and adherence to aftercare.
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Hands, fingers, feet, face, joints, and other high-movement/high-friction areas may heal lighter or require multiple sessions due to natural wear and skin regeneration.
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Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight during healing. Once healed, daily SPF use is strongly recommended to preserve detail and longevity.
Touch-Ups
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If touch-up work is needed after healing, please contact the studio after 3–4 weeks.
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Complimentary touch-ups are provided at the artist’s discretion and only when proper aftercare has been followed.
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Touch-ups for hands, fingers, feet, face, and other high-friction areas are not included free of charge, as these areas commonly require multiple sessions and heal unpredictably.
Client Responsibility
By proceeding with the tattoo service, the client acknowledges that:
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Proper aftercare instructions were provided and explained.
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Healing results cannot be guaranteed.
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Individual healing varies from person to person.
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Failure to follow aftercare instructions may negatively affect the healed result and may require additional paid sessions.