✶ t a t t o o   a f t e r c a r e ✶

If you have a second skin bandage on your tattoo, you can leave it on for up to 3-4 days. Try to avoid activities that will make you sweat, as you don’t want that sweat building up under the Band-Aid.

Always touch your tattoo with clean hands. Take the bandage off under running water, pulling away at the corners slowly (please do not rip it off!). Wash with warm water and soap. 

If you have saran wrap on, with clean hands, remove after 2-3 hours and wash with warm water and soap.  

Do not use any soap or lotion that has a fragrance or scent. 

Either air dry, or gently pat dry with a paper towel. 

Moisturize the area with a small amount of unscented lotion (do not use Vaseline or Aquaphor). Here less is more, add enough to moisturize but don’t slug the tattoo, let it breathe. 

Do not wear tight clothing, expose the tattoo to direct sunlight, scratch or pick the tattoo, or soak the tattoo in water (this includes soaking in a bath, swimming, and using a hot tub. Showering is fine). 

Be prepared to be itchy, itchiness is normal. If the redness doesn’t fade after a week, or if the tattoo is hot to the touch and tender after 4-5 days, this might indicate that the tattoo is infected. If you think your tattoo might be infected, please see a doctor. 

 

Long term, after your tattoo has healed, it's a good idea to regularly moisturize your tattoo and apply sunscreen so it does not fade.