TATTOO AFTERCARE

Removing the Bandage

Remove the bandage in a clean bathroom after 2-3 hours. If the bandage feels comfortable and secure, you may leave it on overnight. If you choose to remove it on the first night, be aware that the tattoo might stick to or stain your bed sheets. keep your bedding clean throughout the healing process, which typically lasts about 2 weeks.

After removing the bandage, immediately wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. We recommend using plain Dial soap from a pump bottle. Avoid soaps with fragrances, moisture beads, or exfoliating scrubs.

Washing your Tattoo

Only use clean hands to wash your tattoo. Avoid using washcloths, bath towels, sponges, or loofahs on the fresh tattoo. Gently pat your tattoo dry with a new paper towel.

  • LATHER

    Using un-scented liquid soap create a lather by rubbing soap between your hands with warm water.

  • CLEAN

    Gently clean the tattoo in a circular motion. Ensure that you remove all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid.

  • RINSE

    Gently rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water, making sure to remove all soap residue.

  • DRY

    Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.

  • MOISTUREIZE

    Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment to the tattoo and gently rub it in. Dab off any excess with a clean paper towel.

Things to Know

Use Aquaphor Healing Ointment for the first 2-3 days, then switch to a regular fragrance-free lotion, such as Lubriderm or another fragrance-free brand.

Fresh tattoos may “weep” during the first few days, where plasma and ink create a thin, moist coating on the skin. Gently dab this with a clean paper towel by pressing it against the skin and lifting it off. Avoid wiping or being rough with the tattoo. If you notice ink on the paper towel or your hands while cleaning, don’t worry—this is just excess ink coming off the surface of the skin.

After a few days, your tattoo will start to form flaky scabs, which will fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Keep it moisturized to help the scabs fall off gradually. They may be the color of the tattoo. Complete healing usually takes 2-4 weeks.

Cleaning your new tattoo once a day in the shower is typically sufficient. If you plan to engage in strenuous activity within the first ten days, consult your tattoo artist for advice. You can apply lotion to the tattoo if it feels dry, but if your skin becomes extremely sensitive or develops acne-like breakouts, reduce the frequency of lotion applications to manage this issue.

Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo to avoid irritation. Re-bandaging is generally unnecessary except in rare cases. Avoid tight clothing, such as bra straps, waistbands, or sweaty gym shoes, as well as itchy fabrics that can cause healing issues. Consult your tattoo artist for specific clothing recommendations. If you choose to re-bandage the tattoo after washing, use only sterile bandages.