Aftercare

All bodies heal differently. The instructions below are my personal and professional advice based on experience and industry best practices. Please listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

✦ After Your Appointment

Taking care of your tattoo is incredibly important—aftercare is just as essential as the tattoo session itself. Tattoos typically take 2 to 4 weeks to heal, depending on the size, style, and placement.
Larger or more detailed tattoos may take longer to fully recover.

Some bruising, itching, or soreness is normal during the healing process. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

✦ If You Were Wrapped in Saran Wrap

  • Keep the wrap on until you're done with your day—no more than 6 hours.

  • Do not sleep in the wrap.

  • Once removed, follow the cleaning steps below.

✦ If You Were Wrapped in Recovery Derm Shield

  • Keep the wrap on for 24 hours to 5 days, depending on your experience level.

  • Remove early if:

    • You see redness around the edges of the wrap.

    • Any sweat or liquid becomes trapped underneath.

  • It is possible to develop an allergy to Derm Shield over time, even in areas that tolerated it before.

To remove Derm Shield (in the shower or over a sink):

  • Soak with warm water for several minutes.

  • Gently peel a corner and pull with the wrap, not against the skin.

  • Let water run between the wrap and your skin as you peel slowly.

  • Continue until fully removed.

✦ After Wrap Removal

Cleaning

  • Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and an antibacterial liquid soap.

  • Remove any build-up of blood, plasma, or ink.

  • Do not use bar soap—it can harbor bacteria and irritate the tattoo.

Drying

  • Allow your tattoo to air dry completely.

  • Avoid contact with non-sterile surfaces.

  • For the first 3 days, you may pat dry using clean paper towels.

✦ Activity Restrictions

  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after your appointment.

  • Avoid heavy sweating for 72 hours—especially for large, colored, or shaded tattoos.

  • No swimming, baths, or prolonged sun exposure until the tattoo is fully healed (1–3 weeks depending on placement and style).

✦ Ongoing Care

  • Wash the tattoo 1–2 times daily with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap until fully healed (3–4 weeks).

  • Around day 3, when light flaking begins, apply a very thin layer of Hustle Butter or another unscented, gentle moisturizer after washing and drying.

✦ Things to Avoid

  • No scratching, peeling, or picking.

  • Avoid tight, abrasive clothing that rubs the tattoo.

  • Stay away from any products with alcohol, fragrance, or harsh chemicals.

✦ Special Area Care

✦ Hand & Finger Tattoos

  • For the first week, wear gloves when cleaning, doing dishes, washing hair, or handling anything dirty.

  • Avoid hand sanitizer or other alcohol-based products on the area.

  • You will be able to notice if there is ink loss by 1-2 weeks after the appointment

  • Expect multiple touch ups to be necessary to get tattoo to stay and maintain the tattoo integrity

  • A touch up is suggested 6 weeks following the initial appointment

✦ Rib & Breast Tattoos

  • Avoid wearing bras or tight clothing that rubs the tattoo for 1–3 weeks.

  • Friction can cause ink loss and delay healing.

✦ Work & Environment Tips

  • If your job exposes you to dirt, bacteria, sweat, or harsh environments, consider using a Saline Wound Wash throughout the day to keep your tattoo clean.

  • Always be mindful of irritants like pet hair, dirty bedding, or cleaning products coming into contact with your healing tattoo.

✦ Tattoo Upkeep

  • All tattoos will fade slightly and settle over time—this is completely normal.

  • Once healed, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen on your tattoo to protect it from UV damage.
    (Do not apply sunscreen until fully healed.)

  • For long sun exposure, cover up the tattooed area when possible.

  • Keep your skin moisturized and gently exfoliated to help maintain color and clarity.

✦ Touch-Ups

  • Some fine-line tattoos may require a touch-up.

  • Healing results vary—your tattoo outcome depends on both your aftercare and your individual healing process.

  • Areas that commonly need touch-ups include:
    ✦ Fingers & Hands
    ✦ Necks & Behind Ears
    ✦ Ankles
    ✦ Knees
    ✦ Elbows
    ✦ Wrists

  • If your tattoo fades or loses ink during healing:

    • Wait at least 6 weeks before booking a touch-up.

    • You’ll typically notice fading or missing ink within 1–3 weeks.

    • Touch-ups may slightly darken or thicken lines—this is normal.

    • Touch-up care is the same as the original tattoo.

Use online booking to schedule your touch up. 

✦ Infection & Allergic Reactions

There is always a small risk of infection or allergic reaction with any tattoo. Your responsibility is to monitor your healing and follow proper aftercare.

✦ If you suspect an infection or allergic reaction:
Seek medical help immediately. Your health comes first.

✦ Causes of infection may include:

  • Bacteria like staph and strep entering the tattooed area.

  • Contact with dirty clothing, pet hair, unwashed bedding, or harsh environments.

  • Cleaning products accidentally contacting the tattoo.

✦ Potential allergic reactions may come from:

  • Tattoo ink

  • Second skin/Derm Shield wraps

  • Aftercare lotions or soaps

Even if you’ve used a product before with no issue, reactions can develop over time or vary by body area. Be aware, and adjust as needed.