Client care
Tattoo aftercare
Good aftercare keeps your tattoo looking its best. Always follow your artist’s specific instructions; they know the techniques and products used on your piece.
1First few hours
Leave the wrap on for as long as your artist told you: usually 2–4 hours for plastic wrap, or several days for an adhesive second-skin bandage. Remove it with clean hands.
2Wash gently
Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap using your fingertips. Don’t use a washcloth or loofah. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let it air dry for a few minutes.
3Moisturize lightly
Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or the aftercare product your artist recommends, 2–3 times a day. Too much product can trap moisture and slow healing.
4Let it peel
Flaking, mild itching, and a shiny or cloudy look are normal in the first two weeks. Don’t pick, scratch, or peel. Let the flakes fall off on their own.
Avoid while healing
- Soaking: pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, and the ocean until the skin has fully healed (usually 2–4 weeks).
- Direct sun and tanning beds while healing. Once healed, use sunscreen to keep lines and color crisp.
- Tight clothing and gym equipment rubbing against the tattoo for the first week or two.
- Re-wrapping it in plastic, or using petroleum-heavy or scented products unless your artist recommends them.
Healing timeline
The surface usually heals in 2–3 weeks. Deeper layers of skin can take a month or more to settle. If an area looks patchy once fully healed, contact us about a touch-up.
When to see a doctor
This guide isn’t medical advice. Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you notice:
- Redness, heat, or swelling that spreads or gets worse after the first few days
- Pus, a bad smell, or red streaks spreading from the tattoo
- Fever or chills
- A rash, raised bumps, or severe itching that could be an allergic reaction to the ink