AFTERCARE GUIDE

This is my general aftercare guide for healing new tattoos. Tried and tested by yours truly.

SECOND SKIN

When leaving the studio, I will wrap your new tattoo up using an adhesive bandage (typically called “second skin”).

Leave the adhesive bandage on for up to 5 days.

  • Pooling of ink and plasma within the bandage is normal.

  • If the bandage leaks, rips, or peels up and the tattoo is exposed, remove the entire bandage immediately and continue tattoo aftercare without it.

    • If this happens before 4 days, refer to the plastic wrap guide for aftercare.

Remove the bandage:

  • Always wash your hands before handling your new tattoo.

  • Some people find running lukewarm water over the bandage can help loosen the adhesive.

Clean the tattoo.

  • Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and an antibacterial or mild soap. Rinse well.

  • Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

  • Let it air dry for ~10 minutes.

Moisturize the tattoo.

  • Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to your tattoo and gently rub in well. Pat off any excess with a clean paper towel.

  • Do not over moisturize. You only need enough moisturizer for the skin to fully absorb it and prevent thick scabbing.

Repeat steps 3 + 4.

  • Over the next week or so, keep your tattoo clean and moisturized as needed. Twice daily is plenty, unless your tattoo gets dirty, sweaty, etc.

PLASTIC WRAP

If you are allergic to adhesive bandages or “second skin”, or if the placement of your tattoo is not conducive to using an adhesive wrap, I will bandage your new tattoo with A&D ointment and plastic wrap.

Leave the plastic wrap on for up to 3 hours.

  • Your new tattoo will weep ink, blood, and plasma immediately after your tattoo.

Remove the plastic wrap and clean the tattoo:

  • Always wash your hands before handling your new tattoo.

  • Gently wash the tattoo and remove all ointment and plasma with warm water and a mild, antibacterial soap. Rinse thoroughly.

  • Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

  • Let it air dry for ~10 minutes.

Moisturize the tattoo.

  • For days 1-3, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor and gently rub in well. Pat off any excess with a clean paper towel. Do not over moisturize. You only need enough moisturizer for the skin to fully absorb it and prevent thick scabbing.

  • For days 4-14, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to your tattoo and gently rub in well as needed.

Repeat steps 3 + 4.

  • Over the next 2 weeks, keep your tattoo clean and moisturized as needed. Twice daily is plenty, unless your tattoo gets dirty, sweaty, etc.

MORE RULES FOR YOU

  • Avoid swimming, soaking, the sauna, and direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least the first 2 weeks.

  • Avoid the gym for at least 72 hours. Avoid excessive sweating when wearing an adhesive bandage.

  • Peeling and itchiness during the healing process is normal. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo.

  • Leave your tattoo alone! Aside from keeping it clean and lightly moisturized, let your body do its thing. Your body will heal itself.

TROUBLESHOOTING

All new tattoos are an open wound and should be treated as such to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. You may contact me if you have questions or concerns during your healing process.

Normal Healing Signs

  • Days 1–3: Redness, warmth, tenderness, and weeping of plasma and excess ink.

  • Days 4–7: Tightening of the skin as the wound closes. Dry dead skin may begin to shed like a minor sunburn.

  • Weeks 1–2: The tattoo will continue shedding layers of dead skin. The tattoo may look dull or cloudy but is superficially healed on the outside.

  • Weeks 3 & beyond: The tattoo begins to settle and continues healing in the deeper layers of the skin.

Signs of Infection

  • Increasing redness: Redness or discoloration that increases after day 3.

  • Increasing warmth heat: Skin over and around the tattoo that feels hot or radiates intense warmth to the touch.

  • Intensifying pain: Pain, tenderness, or throbbing that grows worse over time instead of fading.

  • Bumps and sores: Raised bumps, pustules, or open sores developing on the tattoo.

  • Pus or discharge: Yellow or green pus, especially from bumps or sores.


If you notice signs of infections or your tattoo doesn’t seem to be healing properly, seek care immediately from a healthcare professional.