Tattoo Aftercare guidelines
After finishing your tattoo, your artist will cover it with a bandage
It’s normal for your tattoo to seep fluid at first and the bandage will absorb and draw away the seepage.
Remove the bandage after 3-4 hours, wash, and apply a thin coat of ointment. Ask your artist for suggestions about what type of ointment to use.
24 HOURS AFTER
The first 24 hours is when the majority of liquid (exudate) will seep from your fresh tattoo, so in the morning on the day after your tattoo wash gently to remove any exudate that has dried and apply a thin coat of ointment
Instead of ointment, you can now apply a breathable bandage such as Saniderm or Tagederm instead. A breathable bandage can take the place of ointment and serves the same purpose
2-5 DAYS AFTER
Damaged skin cells are vulnerable in the first few days. They must be protected from pathogens and other shocks as well as allowing excess moisture to evaporate rather than being trapped and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.
That’s why important to apply any ointments in a thin layer (eg by dabbing) to allow airflow/ moisture to evaporate. A heavy coat of ointment can trap too much moisture and promote the growth of bacteria.
After the first 3 days, your tattoo should be less painful to the touch but is not completely healed. Be watchful for any signs of infection ie excessive redness around, swelling, pain, bumps around, or red streaks in skin emanating from the tattoo.
You should continue to apply ointment but it should be ok now to apply less delicately at this point eg gently rubbing ointment into skin.
After about 5 days it should be time to stop using ointment and start using a lotion. This will keep the tattoo hydrated as well as combat itching. Do not scratch! Massage with lotion gently. If you have used a breathable clear bandage, it is now time to remove it.
Do not pick at or pull off scabs let them fall off naturally
At 2-3 weeks, your tattoo may still look dry. Keep moisturizing some flaking is ok still. The outer layers should be healed, but the lower layers may still take 3-4 months.