Traditional Aftercare

You just got a new tattoo, and now you need to know how to take care of it. Don't worry - I've got you covered. If you left the studio with a disposable bandage or wrap, you're in the right place. 

If you left the studio with a Tegaderm wrap, second-skin product, or another adhesive wrap, you can find instructions for that aftercare method here. 

Soap

Select an unscented antibacterial soap, like Dial Gold. Soaps with dyes and scents will cause dryness and discomfort, which may delay the healing process.

Paper Towels

Clean paper towels of any brand will do. Refrain from using cloth towels, as these will leave lint and debris in the wound and may lead to infection.

Ointment

Use a healing ointment such as Aquaphor or A&D. Organic alternatives, such as cocoa butter, Ohana Tattoo Butter, and TruBee Ointment are also acceptable. Do not use ointments that contain antibiotic formulas - these will pull the pigment out of your tattoo.

Lotion

The lotion you choose should be unscented and free of dyes. If you chose an organic alternative from the list above, skip picking up the lotion and use that product in its place.

Tattoos take an average of two weeks to heal. This time varies from person to person and is affected by your immune system. Some medical conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases, arterial diseases, and autoimmune diseases, can contribute to a longer healing period. If at any point in the healing process you have concerns about how your tattoo is healing, please reach out to us - we are here to help.

1. 1-2 hours after your appointment, remove and dispose of the bandage protecting your tattoo. 
2. Wash your hands. 
3. Wash your tattoo with warm water and soap, then pat dry with a paper towel. 
4. Apply a thin layer of ointment to your tattoo. Do not wrap or bandage your tattoo. 

Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for a minimum of 2 weeks. If you are using Aquaphor or A&D, switch to an unscented white lotion after the third day. If you are using one of the natural products listed above, continue to use it for the full healing period.

Note: If your tattoo becomes stuck to your clothing or bedsheets, get in the shower with the cloth article and turn the water on. Allow the tattoo to get wet before attempting to remove the fabric.

It is normal for tattoos to peel and for some amount of scabbing to occur. Flakiness and scabs will resolve on their own as the tattoo finishes healing. Never scratch or pick at your healing tattoo. Doing so will result in loss of pigment and scarring. 

Standing water harbors bacteria that can lead to an infection when exposed to an open wound, such as a healing tattoo. Avoid submerging your tattoo in standing water (baths, pools, natural bodies of water, etc.) for the full duration of your healing.

UV exposure damages skin and will negatively impact the healing and aging of your tattoo. Avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun and other sources of UV exposure during the healing period. For the longevity of your tattoo once healed, avoid UV exposure. Use an SPF 30+ sunscreen as directed when exposure is unavoidable.  

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