Tattoo Aftercare guidelines
These guidelines are for reference only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or medical professional.
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 natural fluids will seep from your fresh tattoo, so in the morning on the day after your tattoo wash gently to remove any dirt or crust and apply a thin coat of ointment.
Continue applying ointment two to three times a day for the first three days.
If using Saniderm or another breathable bandage: Instead of ointment, you can now apply a breathable bandage. These bandages such as Saniderm, Tagaderm, Tatu-derm, or Derm Sheild can take the place of ointment and serve the same purpose.
Damaged skin cells are vulnerable in the first few days. They should be protected from pathogens and other shocks. Excess moisture should be allowed to evaporate rather than being trapped and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.
It’s important to apply ointments in a thin layer (e.g. by dabbing) to allow the area to breathe and moisture to evaporate. A heavy coat of ointment can trap too much moisture and promote the growth of bacteria.
3-5 DAYS AFTER
After the first 3 days, your tattoo should be less painful to the touch but will not be completely healed. Be watchful for any signs of infection such as excessive redness, swelling, worsening pain, bumps around the area, or red streaks in skin emanating from the tattoo.
You should continue to apply ointment. If it doesn’t hurt too much, you can gently rub the ointment into the tattoo to even out the coverage into thin layer.
After about 5 days it should be time to stop using ointment and start using a lotion. This will keep the tattoo hydrated and 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
Keep your tattoo clean and apply lotion a few times a day to keep it hydrated.
At 2-3 weeks, your tattoo may still look dry. Keep moisturizing. Some flaking is ok. The outer layers should be healed, but the lower layers may still take 3-4 months to heal completely.