Proper aftercare is absolutely critical to ensure your custom ink heals vibrantly and lasts a lifetime. Follow these step-by-step instructions provided by our resident artists to protect your new tattoo.
Leave the standard bandage applied by your artist on for 2 to 4 hours. If a medical-grade second skin is used, keep it completely sealed for up to 24 hours before removing.
Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Do not use washcloths or loofahs. Pat it completely dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.
Apply a paper-thin layer of tattoo-specific ointment or unscented lotion 2-3 times daily. Do not over-moisturize, as your fresh tattoo needs to breathe properly in order to heal.
Around day 3 or 4, your tattoo will naturally begin to flake, peel, and itch. Let the dead skin fall off on its own. Scratch or pick will pull out ink and cause scarring.
Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight, swimming pools, oceans, saunas, and hot tubs for an absolute minimum of three full weeks to prevent infections.
Once the deeper layers of skin are completely healed (usually after 4 weeks), apply a high quality SPF 50 sunscreen daily to keep your ink looks vibrant.