Tattoo Aftercare
Instructions
Congratulations on your new tattoo! Follow these instructions to ensure a happy healing process!
When you leave the shop, you’ll have a clear adhesive bandage covering your tattoo. I recommend leaving this bandage on for up to 5 days. I do this for all of my tattoos unless you have an allergy or have specifically requested to not have the bandage.
Getting a tattoo is mentally and physically tasking. It is normal to feel shock-like symptoms following a tattoo session. This can involve chills, heat flashes, light-headedness, or nausea. Make sure you eat a good meal and drink water following your appointment and REST. You can also take OTC pain relief medication or ice your tattoo.
During the first day or so of the healing process your tattoo is going to excrete “juices” (blood, ink, & plasma) into your bandage. This can make the tattoo look like it’s “bleeding ink.” Don’t panic. Having an “ink sack” form is completely normal and you don’t need to do anything with it. It will dry up on its own by day 3-4. DO NOT POP INK SACKS.
The First 24 Hours
Soreness is still very normal and expected at this stage. Feel free to keep icing and resting the tattooed area as long as you need. If your bandage is still covering the tattoo, you still don’t need to do anything.
If your bandage comes off during this period, don’t panic. Wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Allow it to air dry completely then moisturize with lotion.
Days 2-3
Day 5
If your bandage has stayed on for the full 5 days, it’s now time to remove it. The easiest way to to this is in the shower or under some lukewarm running water. Find an edge of the bandage and gently roll it down. Do this SLOWLY. Once the bandage is off, wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and allow it to air dry. Moisturize your tattoo with lotion whenever it looks or feels dry or if it’s itchy.
Day 5 to Forever
By now, your tattoo should be healing nicely. You’ll likely experience some itchiness and peeling as it moves through the final days of the healing process. This can take anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. Be patient. Moisturize.
After week 3 of healing, you are free to resume swimming, working out, and sun exposure once the tattoo has settled into the body.