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​AFTERCARE

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​Congratulations on your new tattoo!

Proper aftercare is essential for healthy healing and for maintaining the quality of your tattoo. Please follow the instructions below carefully and remember that healing can vary slightly from person to person.

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FIRST 2–4 HOURS

Keep the protective film applied at the end of your session on for 2–4 hours, unless you have been given different instructions for the specific dressing used.

Before touching your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly.

After removing the film, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub the skin or use a washcloth.

Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry briefly.

Once dry, apply a very thin layer of the recommended tattoo aftercare product. Do not apply a thick layer or over-moisturize the tattoo.

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DAYS 1–7

During the first week:

  • Gently wash your tattoo twice a day with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.

  • Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

  • Apply a very thin layer of the recommended aftercare product after cleaning.

  • Do not scratch, pick or peel the tattoo.

  • Avoid direct sunlight.

  • Avoid tight clothing or anything that causes repeated friction against the tattoo.

  • Do not swim, soak the tattoo, use hot tubs or visit saunas.

  • Showering is fine, but avoid prolonged exposure to water.

Keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturized, but avoid excessive washing or over-moisturizing.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During the first few days, some mild redness, tenderness, warmth and a small amount of clear fluid or ink residuemay occur.

As the tattoo heals, the skin may become dry or itchy and may begin to flake or peel. This is a normal part of the healing process.

Do not scratch, pick or peel the skin. Allow it to heal naturally.

Healing varies from person to person and may also depend on the size, placement and technique of the tattoo.

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WEEKS 2–4

As the tattoo continues to heal, peeling and dryness should gradually decrease.

Continue to:

  • Keep the skin clean and moisturized.

  • Avoid scratching or removing peeling skin.

  • Avoid unnecessary friction over the tattoo.

  • Avoid swimming in pools, the sea, hot tubs or other bodies of water for 4 weeks.

  • Protect the tattoo from direct sunlight while it is still healing.

Do not apply sunscreen directly to a tattoo that has not fully healed.

Once the skin has completely healed, you can begin using sunscreen directly on the tattoo.

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LONG-TERM CARE

Once your tattoo is fully healed:

  • Use SPF 50 whenever the tattoo is exposed to strong sunlight.

  • Keep your skin moisturized.

  • Avoid excessive and prolonged sun exposure.

Regular sun protection is one of the most important ways to help maintain the appearance of your tattoo over time.

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WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

Some redness, tenderness and mild swelling can be expected shortly after tattooing. However, symptoms should generally improve as healing progresses.

Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms that are severe, worsening or unusual, such as:

  • Redness that continues to spread

  • Increasing swelling or pain

  • Pus or unusual discharge

  • Fever or feeling unwell

  • Red streaks extending from the tattoo

  • A significant or worsening skin reaction

If you are unsure about how your tattoo is healing, you are also welcome to contact me so I can take a look.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR HEALING?

Every tattoo and every person’s skin can heal slightly differently.

If something about your tattoo concerns you or you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is part of the normal healing process, please contact me.

For symptoms that may indicate an infection, allergic reaction or another medical complication, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Taking good care of your tattoo during the healing process is one of the most important steps in keeping the lines and details looking their best over time.

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References

"Caring for tattooed skin." American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). aad.org

"Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them." American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). aad.org

"Tattoos: Understand risks and precautions." Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.org

"Tattoo Infection: Signs, Causes, Treatment & Prevention." Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org

"An Analysis of the Content and Recommendations of 700 American Tattoo Aftercare Instructions." Dermatology (Karger). karger.com

Eaglstein, W.H. "Moist Wound Healing with Occlusive Dressings: A Clinical Focus." Dermatologic Surgery.Wiley Online Library

Field, F.K. & Kerstein, M.D. "Moist wound healing with occlusive dressings: a clinical review." PubMed

"Photochemical cleavage of a tattoo pigment by UVB radiation or natural sunlight." PubMed

"Current knowledge of the degradation products of tattoo pigments by sunlight, laser irradiation and metabolism: a systematic review." Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (Nature). nature.com

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