Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

How long do I keep the bandage on a tattoo?

For a traditional bandage, leave the bandage on overnight. The tattoo will continue to bleed and if the tattoo sticks to your sheets, you will experience ink loss. By the next morning, the tattoo will have stopped bleeding. Leaving the bandage on for this time will minimize scabbing resulting in faster healing time.

For the clear "Tegaderm" bandage, leave the bandage on for 24-48 hours, or as directed by your artist. Expect your tattoo to pool with blood, plasma, and ink under the bandage, this is completely normal. You can either let it sit under the bandage or squeeze it out the seams. Throughout 5 days, the blood and ink will dry under the bandage, when you remove the bandage the blood and ink will come off with the bandage. 

As soon as you remove the bandage wash your tattoo with warm water and mild non-fragrance bar soap. Wash all excess ink and blood that is on the surface of your skin. Gently use your fingertips with soap bubbles. Don't use anything abrasive when washing your tattoo like a washcloth or loofah. Pat dry with a CLEAN towel or paper towel.

Let your tattoo air dry for 15 minutes before putting any clothes over it. Wash it 1-2 times a day and make sure to wear clean clothes for the next 2-3 weeks while the tattoo is healing.

Never cover up your tattoo again after you take the bandage off, this can slow down the healing process.

How often should I moisturize my new tattoo?

Before you moisturize your tattoo, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. Do not apply any moisturizer or creams until 2 days after the bandage comes off. On the 3rd day, you may begin applying a small amount of fragrance-free moisturizer twice daily with CLEAN hands, once in the morning and once in the evening.

We recommend any lotion that is fragrance-free and free from petroleum/petrolatum. Rub the moisturizer right into the skin like you would your hand or facial cream. Do not leave a layer on your skin or use the lotion too frequently. This will cause your tattoo to weep fluid and become easy to damage.

While your tattoo is healing, you’ll want to use an unscented, white cream to support healing. You can apply moisturizer 2-3 times a day. Do not use ointments or balms as these can prevent the skin from breathing, which can lead to infection.

Your tattoo will scab, peel or flake for the first 2-3 weeks. It may be warm and red for the first day or two and then start to itch as it heals. Never itch your healing tattoo.

What should I not do after a new tattoo?

DO NOT pick or scratch the tattoo. Picking or scratching will result in ink loss which will require touch-ups. Until all scabs have flaked off your tattoo, avoid wetting your tattoo excessively or submerging it in water. This includes avoiding saunas, baths, pools, hot tubs, etc. A quick 15-minute shower is fine, but don't soak in the tub. You will also want to avoid sunlight and tanning beds which can fade tattoos for at least four weeks.

Avoid touching your tattoo unless you are cleaning it. Bacteria on your skin and hands can lead to infection and prolonged healing. If you suspect your tattoo has come in contact with anything other than clean clothes (e.g. dirt, sweat, food), wash it immediately and allow it to dry. 

Avoid any activity that puts additional strain on your immune system. This may include excessive drug or alcohol consumption or strenuous workouts. If you do work out, showering afterward is recommended, as sweat may irritate the tattoo.

What happens if you don’t moisturize your tattoo?

Keeping your new tattoo moisturized limits scarring, scabbing, and itchiness. Using a fragrance-free moisturizer helps preserve your tattoo and minimize itching, which will support better healing. Moisturizer supports your skin in recovering from the process of getting a tattoo. Dry skin can lead to tight scabs, which may crack when you move and cause early flaking. This can pull the ink out of your skin prematurely.

What soap should I use on my tattoo?

You should use a mild, anti-bacterial, fragrance-free, and dye-free soap. Never use a loofah or washcloth when you are washing a healing tattoo – only use your hand to gently wash the area.

How do I know if a tattoo is infected?

Improper aftercare can lead to an infection. To know if your tattoo is infected you first need to assess your pain level. If your tattoo is infected, there may be heat radiating from the tattooed skin. Check for any redness on the tattoo site. Some redness and pain are typical in the first few days, but severe redness accompanied by discharge is not.

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Discharge that is whitish or yellowish in colour and seeps from the tattoo can be an indication of infection. If you are unsure of whether or not your tattoo is infected, please come and let us see it.

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If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?

You will know a tattoo is fully healed after five to six weeks. You will notice the itchiness, dry skin and scabs will be smoothed over.