TATTOO
AFTERCARE
Your new tattoo is officially yours, and now it’s time to help it heal beautifully. Taking good care of your tattoo in the first couple of weeks makes a big difference in how it settles, holds ink, and looks over time. These aftercare steps are here to guide you through the healing process and keep things as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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Baths, hot tubs, saunas
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Swimming or soaking the tattoo in any water
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Gyms or heavy sweating
(Showers are OK. Rest days are important too!) -
Alcohol, as it can affect healing and increase swelling
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Direct sunlight. Once healed, always protect your tattoo with sunscreen
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Do not itch, scratch, or pick at your tattoo.
Let the skin flake off naturally. Picking too early can pull pigment out of the dermis and leave blank spots. Touch-ups caused by picking will be at the client’s expense.
Wash your tattoo daily, or anytime it comes into contact with something that may carry bacteria.
Remember, your tattoo is an open wound. Keeping it clean is the best way to avoid infection and protect your artwork.
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Wear clean, loose clothing
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Keep it away from pets and fur babies
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If the tattoo gets dirty, wash it again gently following the steps above
Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare is essential for healing your tattoo well and keeping the lines crisp and the color strong. Your tattoo is an open wound, and how you care for it in the first two weeks will directly affect how it heals and ages.
Second Skin Bandage (First 4 Days)
Keep the second skin bandage on for 4 full days.
This bandage acts as a protective barrier, keeping bacteria out while locking in moisture that helps your skin heal efficiently.
You may shower with the bandage on.
Be gentle and cautious around the edges to avoid lifting it. Try not to let water get underneath the bandage, as trapped moisture can irritate the skin.
It is normal for fluid to build up under the bandage.
This liquid is a mix of blood, plasma, and excess ink. During these 4 days, your tattoo may look blurry or smudged. This is completely normal and will wash away once the bandage is removed.
Removing the Bandage
Before removing the bandage, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
Clean hands help prevent bacteria from transferring onto the healing tattoo.
To remove the bandage, grab a corner or edge and slowly stretch it away from itself, rather than pulling it upward.
Stretching helps release the adhesive gently and reduces irritation to the skin.
Washing the Tattoo
With clean hands, gently wash the tattoo using antibacterial soap and your fingers only.
Use light, circular motions to remove all blood, plasma, and excess ink. Never use cloths, loofahs, scrub brushes, or sponges, as these can damage healing skin and pull pigment from the tattoo.
Your fingers are the safest tool because they are gentle and allow you to feel how sensitive the skin is.
Pat the tattoo dry using clean paper towel, or allow it to air dry.
Do not rub the area.
Throughout the full 2-week healing period, avoid using cloth towels. Cloth can trap bacteria even when freshly washed, increasing the risk of infection.
Drying the Tattoo
Moisturizing
Daily Care (First 2 Weeks)
Support Your Healing
For 2 Weeks, Please Avoid
Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals.
Your body heals best when it is properly fueled, and these two weeks are an investment in how your tattoo will look long-term.
A Little Note From Leah♡:
You’ve invested in yourself with this artwork. Give it the best chance to heal beautifully.
♡
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to send me a message
Recommended options include:
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Coconut oil
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Glaxal Base
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Aveeno unscented
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Lubriderm unscented
Use only a very thin layer.
Too much lotion can clog pores, trap bacteria, and slow down healing.
Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, perfume-free, dye-free lotion.Harsh chemicals and added scents can irritate healing skin.