Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Leave the initial application on for 3-5 days straight. If the seal breaks in ANY way, remove it immediately. After 3-5 days, remove the Tegaderm in the shower under warm running water. Let the water hit directly on the adhesive to loosen it. You can also apply coconut oil along the edges where it meets your skin to help release the adhesive more easily. Once removed, follow the aftercare steps below.

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Remove the bandage within 2-3 hours, wash your tattoo with a scentless anti-bacterial soap. Do not use a washcloth to wash the tattoo, only use your hands. After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub the tattoo or dry it using a cloth towel as it contains germs and bacteria. After the tattoo is clean rebandage your tattoo with the extra bandages your artist provided and this will be the first night.

The next morning, wash your tattoo again with an unscented antibacterial soap. Use only your hands, never a washcloth or sponge. After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub the area. Once completely dry, apply ointment as instructed below.

Rub a small amount of ointment onto the tattoo. You want to hydrate the skin, not drown it. This is important.

Do not use Bacitracin, Neosporin, Vaseline, or Petroleum jelly, as these can cause the ink to fade. Instead, we recommend Hustle Butter, Aquaphor or any non-petroleum base ointment. After applying a very thin layer of ointment, pat any excess ointment off the tattoo so it is not too greasy.

Wash, dry, and apply ointment 2 times daily or as needed.

Switch from ointment to an unscented colorless lotion (Lubriderm, Cetaphil, etc.) Fragrance makes the skin reject the ink, be aware. Wash, dry, and apply lotion daily, as needed. Your tattoo will now begin to peel as new skin regenerates. Do not pick at the skin/any scabbing that is present. Doing so can cause ink to fall out.

Do not submerge the tattoo in water for 2 weeks. No swimming or taking baths (showering is fine!) until the tattoo has completely scabbed over.

Do not expose your tattoo to the sun as it heals. Sun exposure is enemy #1 of tattoos. Always apply sunscreen to the healed tattoo before exposure.

Keep the tattoo uncovered as often as you can to let it air out. This includes wearing sleeveless or breathable clothing. For foot/ankle tattoos, go barefoot when possible. Be careful of jewelry, watches, bra or shoe straps rubbing against the tattoo as this can cause it to blister and heal poorly.

Avoid gyms and public facilities for at least 2 weeks while your tattoo heals. Gym equipment and public surfaces are often not properly sanitized and can harbor bacteria that may cause infections.

If you do not properly care for your tattoo, it may become infected or damaged. Infections are very red around the outside of the tattoo and may have thin red lines extending from it. It may ooze pus or bleed abnormally. If you think your tattoo is infected, seek medical attention immediately.Failing to do so can lead to serious blood infections (sepsis) or other severe life-threatening complications.