Aftercare

Everything You Need to Do for Your New Tattoo

To ensure that your tattoo looks as beautiful down the road as the day you got it done, proper aftercare is a must. Your new ink is an open wound that needs to heal–and the final outcome of your tattoo depends on a few basic rules.

Please note that every artist has their own approach to aftercare.

To ensure your tattoo heals properly, please follow your artist's personal recommendation. These are our general guidelines, which can serve as a handy reference if you need a reminder—but we suggest contacting your artist directly if you need help.

- Wash your tattoo two to three times a day and apply lotion or salve AFTER each wash for five to seven days starting the day after you remove your bandage. Continue as part of your tattoo aftercare or until your piece has completely peeled.
- Peeling should start after four to six days.
- It’s normal to see scabs for up to two weeks.
- DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH at peeling skin or scabs, as you will lose color and re-open the wound to potential infections (neither of which is the responsibility of your artist!).
- You can gently slap your tattoo to relieve itching.

When you leave the studio with your new tattoo...
Please leave the bandage on overnight to protect your tattoo and help sweat out excess plasma.

Day One: How to remove the bandage and clean your tattoo…
* Remove the bandage GENTLY and immediately take a warm (not hot!) shower. 
* If the bandage feels stuck, let the water run over it, which will make it fall off on its own. 
* Use a liquid soap or body wash (we love Dial Antibacterial soap!) to wash the tattoo. 
* Gently and thoroughly massage the tattoo as you wash it. You will want to remove all traces of blood or plasma. Rinse it fully clean and lightly blot it dry with a clean cotton towel or clean paper towel. 
* If you choose to apply salve, use a small amount. We highly recommend RX Tattoo or Recovery lotion. 
* The goal is to keep your skin soft, NOT moist—similar to the moisturization you get from applying chapstick. 
* DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo. 
* Wear clean, comfortable clothing. Quality workout wear is acceptable: Restrictive clothing like workout leggings can be a good choice, provided the material is not irritating. Avoid materials that are fuzzy or lacy. We find that synthetic materials like polyester blends are less prone to chafe or stick. 

First 7 Days: How to care for your tattoo…
* Wash your tattoo two to three times a day and apply lotion or salve AFTER each wash for five to seven days starting the day after you remove your bandage. Continue as part of your tattoo aftercare or until your piece has completely peeled. 
* Peeling should start after four to six days. 
* It’s normal to see scabs for up to two weeks. 
* DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH at peeling skin or scabs, as you will lose color and re-open the wound to potential infections (neither of which is the responsibility of your artist!). 
* You can gently slap your tattoo to relieve itching. 

If your artist uses Second Skin /Dermaroll…
* Second Skin, Dermaroll, and similar products serve as a breathable, waterproof barrier to provide extended protection for new tattoos. Some artists prefer these products, as they can minimize your aftercare steps. 
* If you leave the studio with Second Skin or Dermaroll, leave it in place for 3-5 days. Showers are fine but avoid pools, spas, baths, etc. 
* During this time, you’ll see plasma and excess ink pooling beneath the covering. This is totally normal. 
* Once you remove the Second Skin or Dermaroll, follow the above directions to clean and moisturize your tattoo until it is fully healed. 
* If your Second Skin or Dermaroll starts to peel off or gets water under it (not plasma/ink), please contact your artist. 