Aftercare

Aftercare

Healing well is half the work of a great tattoo. Here's how I recommend caring for it.

1. 01

   First few hours

   You'll leave the studio in a wrap. Keep it on for the time I tell you, usually 2 to 24 hours depending on the wrap and the piece.

2. 02

   First wash

   Remove the wrap with clean hands. Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance free, gentle soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. No washcloths.

3. 03

   Days 1 to 3

   Wash gently twice a day. Apply a thin layer of unscented healing balm or lotion. Less is more, the tattoo needs to breathe.

4. 04

   Days 4 to 14

   It will start to flake or peel. Don't pick. Don't scratch. Keep it moisturized and let it shed naturally.

5. 05

   Avoid for two weeks

   Submerging in water (pools, baths, ocean), direct sun, tanning, hot tubs, gym workouts that soak the area in sweat, and tight clothing that rubs.

6. 06

   What's normal

   Mild redness, slight swelling, light scabbing, and a peeling phase that looks worse than it is. The colors will look dull during healing, they come back.

7. 07

   Reach out if

   You see spreading redness, hot skin, pus, fever, or anything that worries you. If something does not look right, reach out instead of guessing.

8. 08

   Long term

   Sunscreen forever. SPF 30 or higher on the tattoo whenever it sees sun, and your piece will look like the day it healed for years.