Aftercare

Your tattoo is an open wound. Proper healing determines longevity. Follow these instructions precisely.

Healing Timeline

01
Stage 01
Day 1
Remove the bandage after 2–4 hours unless instructed otherwise. Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub.
  • Apply a thin layer of recommended ointment
  • Do not re-bandage unless directed
  • Expect redness, swelling, and mild oozing
  • Sleep on clean sheets; avoid contact with pets
02
Stage 02
Days 2–3
Wash the tattoo 2–3 times daily with the same gentle soap. Continue applying a thin layer of ointment after each wash. The area may feel warm and appear slightly swollen.
  • Switch from ointment to fragrance-free lotion if peeling begins
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area
  • Avoid soaking in water — showers only, brief and lukewarm
03
Stage 03
Week 1–2
Peeling and flaking will begin. This is normal — your skin is shedding the top layer. The tattoo may appear dull or cloudy. Do not pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin.
  • Continue washing and moisturizing 2–3 times daily
  • Itching is common; tap gently or apply lotion instead of scratching
  • Avoid direct sunlight on the healing tattoo
  • No swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, or ocean water
04
Stage 04
Weeks 3–4
The outer layers of skin have healed but deeper layers are still recovering. The tattoo may still look slightly shiny or feel different in texture compared to surrounding skin.
  • Continue daily moisturizing
  • You can resume light exercise — keep the area clean
  • Still avoid prolonged sun exposure
  • If any areas look patchy, don't worry — assess after full healing
05
Stage 05
Month 2+
Your tattoo is fully healed. The skin should feel normal again. Colors have settled into their permanent tones. Now is the time to assess if any touch-up work is needed.
  • Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen whenever the tattoo is exposed to sun
  • Maintain regular moisturizing for long-term vibrancy
  • Contact us if you notice any areas needing touch-up

Do's & Don'ts

Do

  • ✓Wash with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap
  • ✓Pat dry with clean paper towels
  • ✓Apply thin layers of recommended moisturizer
  • ✓Wear loose, breathable clothing
  • ✓Sleep on clean sheets
  • ✓Apply SPF 50+ once healed
  • ✓Contact us with any concerns

Don't

  • ✗Pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin
  • ✗Submerge in pools, tubs, or ocean
  • ✗Expose to direct sunlight while healing
  • ✗Apply alcohol-based products
  • ✗Let pets near the healing area
  • ✗Wear tight or abrasive clothing over it
  • ✗Use petroleum-based products excessively

Recommended Products

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

A gentle, petroleum-based ointment that creates a protective barrier while allowing the skin to breathe. Use for the first 2–3 days of healing.

Why We Recommend It Dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and widely available. The gold standard for initial tattoo aftercare across the industry.

Lubriderm Daily Moisture

A lightweight, fragrance-free lotion for the peeling and long-term moisturizing phases. Non-greasy formula absorbs quickly without clogging pores.

Why We Recommend It Clean ingredients, fast absorption, no unnecessary fragrances or dyes. Won't suffocate healing skin during the critical flaking stage.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

An invisible, weightless broad-spectrum SPF 50 that protects healed tattoos from UV degradation without leaving a white cast on ink.

Why We Recommend It UV exposure is the number one cause of tattoo fading. This formula is transparent, oil-free, and won't alter the appearance of your work.

Touch-Up Policy

Free Touch-Ups Within 6 Months

We stand behind every piece we create. If any area of your tattoo heals with patchiness, uneven saturation, or minor fallout, we will touch it up at no additional charge within six months of your original session.

Touch-ups are subject to artist availability and must be scheduled via our booking system. Please allow your tattoo to fully heal (minimum 8 weeks) before requesting a touch-up assessment.

This policy does not cover damage caused by improper aftercare, sun exposure, or physical abrasion. Touch-up requests beyond 6 months are subject to standard session rates.