After Care

Tattoos get put to the test of a biological healing process. It is dire to keep your tattoo clean and protected while it heals. Your tattoo is an open wound, especially during the initial 3-4 days of healing. Healing process can take about 2 weeks, sometimes 3 weeks to complete, we all heal at our own pace! Loose clothing should be worn over your tattoos, no fabrics that cause friction or irritation. All the products you use during your healing process should be unscented. I send all my clients home with their fresh work plastic wrapped with a light coat of antiseptic and A&D.

After your appointment it is encouraged to keep the plastic wrap on until you get home. This wrap shouldn’t be on for hours, it is meant to close your pores and allow the blood to settle from your fresh tattoo. Take off the plastic wrap and wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap (if you can’t get your hands on this particular type of soap, sensitive unscented dove soap is another option along with Castile peppermint soap). You can do this in the shower, the steam will help alleviate your skin. After the shower or cleaning, pat the tattoo dry and allow your skin to dry to avoid pruning. It is okay to take Tylenol, ibuprofen, or advil. These have anti inflammatory properties that will help your body relax and ease swelling to begin healing. You can apply two warm compresses the initial night you begin healing your tattoo. Use a clean towel, run it under lukewarm water (if it’s too hot it’ll scorch your tattoo), apply to your skin for a few minutes. It is normal to feel a burning sensation, you’re alleviating your “wound” from plasma, dried blood, excess ink, and any bacteria. Let your tattoo breath and relax, if you do a second compress allow at least 40 minutes to pass between compresses.

Clean your tattoo morning and night with soap and water. Apply thin layers of a&d ointment. Practice this for the first 3-4 days. If you have sensitive skin that breaks out from heavy ointments, it is recommended to dry heal for the first 3-4 days. By the fifth day your tattoo will start to peel and will require moisturizer. At this point you should be cleaning your tattoo and applying unscented lotion (cetaphil, lubriderm, dermasil) or coconut oil to your peeling tattoo. It is normal for your skin to be flakey and itchy, refrain from itching and moisturize as often as you’re able to for the remainder of the healing process.

Skip the gym for a few days, sweat will burn your tattoo. Allow at least 3 days to pass before exercising with your fresh tattoo. Clean it immediately after working out.

Apply antiseptic bactine spray on your tattoo to ease irritation and pain the first few days. Spray this product on as needed.

If you need to cover your tattoo use a cotton cloth and wrap it lightly. You don’t want to restrict or suffocate your tattoo. You should not wrap your tattoo with plastic or bandage.

If you have any further questions please get into contact with me via email.