TATTOO AFTERCARE
Protect the work. Respect the healing process.
Proper aftercare helps your tattoo heal safely and look its best. Follow the instructions given by your artist, as bandage type and healing needs may vary.
1. YOUR BANDAGE
Keep the original bandage on for the amount of time your artist recommends. Do not remove it early, reuse it, or apply a new bandage unless instructed. If an adhesive film leaks, lifts enough to expose the tattoo, or causes significant irritation, remove it as directed and contact the studio.
2. CLEAN GENTLY
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo. After removing the bandage, gently wash the area with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap using clean fingertips. Do not scrub or use a washcloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
3. MOISTURIZE LIGHTLY
Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a very thin layer of the fragrance-free aftercare product recommended by your artist. Do not over-apply; the tattoo should not remain wet or greasy. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, scented lotions, and harsh products.
4. DURING HEALING
Your tattoo may be mildly red, tender, itchy, flaky, or lightly scabbed while healing. Do not scratch, pick, or peel it. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, soaking, tanning, direct sunlight, and friction from tight or dirty clothing until the tattoo has healed. Showering is fine, but do not soak the tattoo.
5. WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE
Seek prompt medical care if redness spreads or worsens, pain or swelling increases, or you notice pus, foul-smelling drainage, red streaks, fever, or chills. Call 911 for difficulty breathing or any severe allergic reaction. You may also notify your artist, but the studio cannot provide medical treatment.
6. LONG-TERM CARE
After the tattoo has fully healed, moisturize as needed and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher whenever the tattoo is exposed to sunlight.