WHEN YOU LEAVE THE SHOP:

Your artist may have placed a temporary plastic wrap over your new tattoo to keep it clean and protected for the first couple hours. During this initial healing period, your tattoo is particularly vulnerable so it is important that you leave the wrap in place for about 1-2 hours unless instructed otherwise by your artist directly. Once you remove the wrap, promptly clean your tattoo following the cleaning instructions below.

THE NEXT 2 WEEKS:

In the first few days, it is normal to experience sensitivity, some redness, and slight warmth to touch. Your tattoo will likely weep a clear yellow fluid that can sometimes last a day or 2; this is normal and rest assured, it only means your tattoo is healing as it should.

Your tattoo is essentially an open wound and as such, it needs to be treated with care. KEEP IT CLEAN AND MOISTURIZED by washing it gently 2-3 times daily with warm water and a fragrance free antibacterial soap and patting it dry with a clean dry cloth or towel before applying a thin layer of fragrance free lotion/moisturizer such as Lubriderm or Aquaphor.

For the first 72 hours, try to minimize any kind of strenuous activity or engaging in any activity that could cause you to sweat/perspire as excessive sweating during healing can affect healing times and your tattoo’s final appearance.

Do not submerge your tattoo in water for extended periods of time. Saturating a new tattoo in water is a big no-no! No baths, swimming pools, jacuzzis, or swimming in the ocean or lakes for at least 2 weeks.

If you experience flaking or minor scabbing, DO NOT pick or remove the flakes/scabs. It is advised to allow them to slough off naturally as any kind of picking can have a big impact on how the tattoo looks once it’s healed.

Make sure to wear clothing that doesn’t rub, constrict, or put any undue pressure on your tattoo.

Don’t expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. Not only is it painful in the healing phase, but it can also fade your tattoo as well. And this isn’t just while it’s healing either… sun exposure will always be a factor in how your tattoo looks over time so make sure to apply sunscreen to it for as long as you care about it!

Once all peeling/flaking/scabbing has gone, it’s advised to keep moisturizing it for the next 4-6 weeks to ensure a healthy new layer of skin forms over the tattoo allowing it to look its best!

IF HEALING WITH SANIDERM OR DERM SHIELD:

Keep bandage on for 4-6 days but no longer than that. The bandage can get wet but it is not recommended to submerge for extended periods of time. The bandage will fill up with fluid and your tattoo will likely appear distorted… this is normal; just let it be. No cleaning or moisturizing is required. If bandage peels off prematurely, resume traditional aftercare methods as explained above.

If you have any further questions or concerns, contact your artist directly.

If you experience symptoms or suspect that your tattoo may be infected, seek prompt medical attention.