Caring for Your Tattoo Starts Here

Your tattoo is fresh artwork on healing skin. How you care for it in the first few weeks makes a big difference in how it looks long-term. Follow the steps below to ensure the best possible healing and preserve the detail and clarity of your piece.

Healing Timeline: What to Expect

Most tattoos take about 2 weeks to heal on the surface, but this can vary based on:

  • Tattoo size and placement

  • Your immune system 

  • Your daily environment 

During this time, your tattoo will likely go through stages of soreness, flaking, itching, and lightening. All of this is normal. What matters most is keeping it clean, moisturized, and protected.

Step-by-Step Aftercare

  • 1

    Remove your bandage. If your tattoo was wrapped, remove the wrap within 1 hour after your session. Do not rewrap the tattoo once removed.

  • 2

    Gently Wash. Use unscented, antibacterial soap. Wash your tattoo with clean hands 1–2 times a day. Avoid scrubbing, loofahs, or any exfoliants.

  • 3

    Moisturize Lightly. Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment 2–3 times daily. We recommend Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Do not over-apply, it should feel lightly hydrated, not greasy.

  • 4

    Be Careful With Water. Short showers are fine. No soaking in baths, pools, hot tubs, or saunas. Avoid working out for the first 2 weeks.

Additional Tattoo Care Tips

Keep it
Clean

  • Avoid touching your tattoo with unwashed hands
  • Don’t let it come in contact with public surfaces, gym equipment, pets, etc.

Expect Peeling and Itching

  • Your tattoo will flake and peel as new skin forms, which will cause itchiness
  • Do not scratch or pick – this can pull ink out

Keep it
Protected

  • Once healed, moisturize daily and protect it from sun exposure
  • Sun damage fades ink. Use sunscreen if your tattoo is exposed

❗Healing Issues or Concerns?

If your tattoo shows signs of infection — such as intense redness, swelling, heat, pus, or severe pain — you should consult a physician immediately. Tattoo artists are not medical professionals, and it’s important to have any complications evaluated by a doctor to ensure proper care.

Aftercare Photo Requests

Healed photos are always appreciated! If you’re able, please send us a healed photo of your tattoo around 3–6 weeks after your session. Or better yet, let me know if you can stop by so we can take a clean portfolio shot.

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