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Heal it right

Tattoo Aftercare

A great tattoo is half the work — how you heal it is the other half. Here's exactly how to take care of your new piece.

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Your artist will give you specific instructions before you leave — always follow their guidance first, since aftercare can vary slightly by piece and by whether you're sent home in a standard bandage or a second-skin adhesive film. The guide below covers the essentials.

Do

  • Leave the initial bandage on as long as your artist tells you
  • Wash gently with clean hands and mild, fragrance-free soap
  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel — don't rub
  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer or the balm your artist recommends
  • Keep it clean and let it breathe
  • Wear loose clothing over the area while it heals

Don't

  • Don't pick, scratch or peel scabs or flaking skin
  • Don't soak it — no pools, baths, hot tubs or the ocean
  • Don't expose it to direct sun or use tanning beds
  • Don't over-apply ointment — a thin layer is plenty
  • Don't re-bandage unless your artist instructed you to
  • Don't work out hard enough to stretch or sweat heavily on it early on

Healing Timeline

Day 1–3

The tattoo is an open wound. Some redness, warmth, light swelling and a bit of fluid (plasma and ink) is normal. Wash gently 1–2 times a day and moisturize lightly.

Day 4–6

It starts to dry and tighten. Flaking and light scabbing begin, and it'll get itchy — do not scratch. Keep moisturizing thinly.

Day 7–14

Peeling and flaking continue, then taper off. The surface may look a little dull or cloudy — that's normal and clears as it heals.

Week 3–4

The outer layer is healed and looking sharp again. Keep it moisturized and protected from the sun.

Months after

Deeper layers finish regenerating over a couple of months. Once fully healed, use sunscreen on it for life — sun is the #1 thing that fades a tattoo.

When to call us

A little redness and soreness is normal. But contact us or a doctor if you see spreading redness, increasing pain after a few days, pus, a fever, or anything that seems off. We'd much rather hear from you than have you wonder.

Questions about your healing tattoo? Call the shop at (645) 201-1469 or DM us — we're happy to take a look.

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