Aftercare

*All bodies heal differently, the instructions here are simply my personal and professional advice, please do what you feel works best for your body*

After Your Appointment

Taking care of your tattoo is incredibly important, please take aftercare seriously. Tattoos take 3 - 6 weeks to heal, depending on the size and style of the tattoo. Larger wounds take longer to heal.

Depending on the type, placement, and size of the tattoo some bruising, itching, and soreness are to be expected during the healing process, please DM me with any and all concerns you may have.

  • Saran Wrap: I recommend keeping your wrap on until you are done with your day (up to 6 hours)

  • Recovery Derm-Shield: I recommend keeping your wrap on for 24 hours, keep an eye on the wrap and remove it earlier if any red develops around the outside of the wrap or if any sweat or liquid gets into the wrap. You can develop allergies to Recovery Derm Shield overtime and have allergic reactions in some areas of the body and not in others.

    • Remove Recovery Derm Shield in a hot shower:

      • Soak the wrap for a few minutes

      • Remove slowly by peeling up a corner of the wrap and pulling with the wrap, not against (please reference the video)

      • Continue to peel until the whole wrap is removed slowly

After Wrap Removal

  • Wash gently with a scentless antibacterial soap and warm water (be sure to break down any build-up of blood, plasma, and ink on your tattoo)

  • Air-dry your tattoo. This can take time; please be sure the tattoo does not come into contact with any non-sterile surfaces during the drying time.

  • Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours following tattoo

  • Do not sweat for 72 hours following tattoo, especially for larger/shaded/colored tattoos

  • Wash your tattoo with a scentless antibacterial soap and water 2 - 3 times(every day until fully healed 3/4 weeks). DO NOT USE BAR SOAP.

  • Always air dry your tattoo; do not use paper towels or regular towels to dry your tattoo.

  • Once your tattoo starts to scab over and become flakey (about 72hrs post-tattoo), moisturize with a very thin layer of Aquaphor or another unscented, gentle moisturizer after your tattoo has been washed and allow to air-dry COMPLETELY, 5-40 minutes, depending on the tattoo size and style.

  • Avoid peeling, scratching, and sleeping on your fresh tattoo.

  • Wear clean, breathable clothing that does not rub on or restrict your tattoo.

  • No swimming, baths, saunas, or prolonged sun exposure until fully healed (about 2 - 4 weeks). If you swim while your tattoo is still healing, it can become infected; please take this seriously.

  • If you work a job that does not allow you time during the day to wash your tattoo or work in a high bacteria/irritant environment, please consider using Saline Wound Wash to ensure your tattoo stays clean throughout the workday.

  • Finger/Hand Tattoos: For three weeks, wear gloves while doing dishes, cleaning the house, washing your hair, and doing any activity that could get products or dirt on the tattoo. Please do not use any products with alcohol in it, such as hand sanitizer.

  • Rib/Breast area Tattoos: Do not wear a bra that rubs the tattoo for 1-3 weeks(depending on the size and tattoo style). If you wear a bra that rubs the tattoo it will cause ink to fall out and could cause infection.

Tattoo Upkeep

  • All tattoos will fade a little and settle after years of living on your body; this is normal

  • After your tattoo is fully healed, wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen will protect your tattoo from harmful UV rays ( NO SUNSCREEN UNTIL FULLY HEALED)

  • On top of sunscreen, cover up if you will be in the sun for prolonged periods

  • Keeping your skin moisturized and exfoliating can help your tattoo stay bright and healthy

Touch Ups

Some Fine-line tattoos will require a touch-up.

How your tattoo heals not only depends on the aftercare you follow but also how your body naturally heals. Everybody’s body heals differently, so some people’s bodies may require a touch up when other’s does not. The amount of touch ups needed will depend on your body’s natural healing process. Touch ups may thicken and darken the lines of your tattoo.

Please remember that some areas will likely need additional touch-ups (fingers, hands, and areas with lots of movement/wrinkles, such as ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists.).

If your tattoo fades or ink falls out as it’s healing, please reach out to schedule a touch-up appointment. The earliest a touch-up can be done is six weeks after the original appointment to allow proper time for healing. The aftercare for a touch-up is the same as your 1st time getting the tattoo.

Touch-up appointments will be secured once photos of your healed tattoos are received; please have the photos ready when you reach out to book your touch-up.

Infection & Allergic Reaction

There is always a risk of infection and allergic reactions when getting tattoos. You are responsible for following aftercare and paying attention to how your tattoo is healing. If you have an allergic reaction or infection, please go to the doctor as soon as possible; your health is paramount.

  • Staph and strep bacteria live on all of our skin; if these bacteria get inside a wound, they can cause infection.

  • All of us live in environments with bacteria and other irritants; please remember these while healing your tattoo. Examples include beds/clothes with animal hair/dandruff, cleaning products you use around your house that should not touch a wound, etc.

  • It is possible to have an allergic reaction to different products during and after the tattoo. People can have allergic reactions to ink, second skin products used as aftercare, types of lotions and soaps used in aftercare, and more. Please keep this in mind while receiving and taking care of a tattoo.