Tattoo aftercare is critically important for the overall outcome and longevity of your tattoo. Proper aftercare helps ensure that your tattoo heals well, looks vibrant, and remains in good condition for years to come. Here is what we believe works best after years of practice.
For Small-Medium tattoos
For small to medium-sized tattoos, we use a layer of adhesive film (Saniderm/Derm Shield/Second Skin) to protect your new tattoo. You can leave this film on for 1-3 days, as it will shield your tattoo from friction and provide a waterproof, breathable, protective barrier to prevent contamination.
You may have blood or ink inside this film after getting the tattoo; this is completely normal. As long as the film does not break or leak, your tattoo is safe.
After 2-3 days, you can gently remove the adhesive film. Using warm running water may assist in the process. After removal, wash away residual blood and ink with antibacterial soap and water, then pat it dry with paper towel and leave it to air out and breathe until it starts to scab.
When it begins to scab, apply a SMALL amount of A&D ointment or Aquaphor ointment to the new tattoo until the tattoo heals. This will help the scab come off more easily, but do not pick or scratch it; allow it to come off naturally.
After about 2 weeks, the surface of your tattoo will heal, but it may take longer for the underlying layer of skin to heal completely.
During the healing process, AVOID:
Exercising/sweating.
Soaking in water/swimming/saunas.
Sun exposure.
If the tattoo becomes infected, don’t worry, please discontinue using any ointment and contact us by texting or emailing us with a picture of your tattoo, we will let you know what to do.
Throughout the healing process, if you have any questions during this time, feel free to contact us.
For Larger tattoos
For large tattoos, we usually use plastic wrap to protect your tattoo from dust and bacteria until you get home. After about 2 hours, remove the plastic wrap and clean your tattoo thoroughly with warm water to wash away residual blood and ink and pat dry with paper towel.
Apply a SMALL amount of A&D ointment or Aquaphor ointment to the new tattoo. If blood seeps out, clean the area with water and a paper towel. Reapply a thin layer of ointment to your new tattoo when needed.
For the first two days, repeat the steps above 2 times a day. After two days, discontinue using any ointment and keep the tattoo dry and breathable.
After about one week, the tattoo begins to scab, apply a SMALL amount of A&D ointment or Aquaphor ointment to the new tattoo until the tattoo heals. This will help the scab come off more easily, but do not pick or scratch it; allow it to come off naturally.
After about 2 weeks, the surface of your tattoo will heal, but it may take longer for the underlying layer of skin to heal completely.
During the healing process, AVOID:
Exercising/sweating.
Soaking in water/swimming/saunas.
Sun exposure.
If the tattoo becomes infected, don’t worry, please discontinue using any ointment and contact us by texting or emailing us with a picture of your tattoo, we will let you know what to do.
Throughout the healing process, if you have any questions during this time, feel free to contact us.