Aftercare

Once your tattoo is done, the healing starts. In the first day, you might notice some changes. You could see fluid leaking from the bandage or tattoo, which is blood plasma and some extra ink. Your skin will likely look red and feel sore, and it may be a bit warm. These are normal reactions.

Taking proper care of a tattoo is essential for ensuring its longevity and vibrancy. Most likely, you have been sent home with a thin layer of Saniderm wrapped over your new ink by me. Depending on the size of the tattoo, I would recommend leaving the wrap on the tattoo for anywhere from 3-7 days. Showering is okay with the wrap, but avoid scrubbing the wrap area as it will loosen the wraps adhesive, and also avoid submerging the wrap in water. (i.e. bath, pools, hot tubs)

Remove the wrap in the shower under warm water, peeling it off from the top down. It's normal to see some fluid under the wrap. The wrap might leave a sticky residue that will go away over time.

Once the wrap is off, keep the area clean and moist. Start by gently washing the tattoo with mild soap and water, then pat it dry with a clean towel. Use a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer or tattoo ointment to help it heal. Also, stay away from direct sunlight and avoid soaking the tattoo in water, like pools or hot tubs, for at least two weeks. Following these care steps will help keep your tattoo looking great.

Washing Tattoo

Use lukewarm water to wash your tattoo. Hot water can irritate the skin, while cold water can slow healing. Use unscented antibacterial soap and avoid harsh soaps or those with exfoliating properties. Treat your tattoo like a cut: be gentle. In the first few days, you might see some oozing along with ink particles. Wash and dry the tattoo every few hours, but don’t let it dry out completely. Avoid washcloths as they can carry bacteria; instead, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Wash gently and apply moisturizer after each wash to keep the area calm and hydrated. Some ink may wash off; this is just excess ink from your skin.


  • Larger tattoos typically take a longer time to heal compared to smaller ones because they exert more stress and strain on your skin during the healing process. This increased area of ink can result in more swelling and discomfort, leading to a more extended recovery period. As a result, it’s important to take extra care of larger tattoos to ensure they heal properly and maintain their quality.

  • Smaller tattoos tend to heal more quickly than larger ones, but they still require proper and attentive care to ensure optimal healing and to maintain their appearance over time.

  • Solid filled in patches of ink will also take longer to heal.

A tattoo may take up to three months to heal fully. With good care, it can appear fresh sooner and stay in good shape longer.

MOISTURIZING

After cleaning your tattoo, moisturizing is essential for aftercare. It keeps the area from cracking, drying, and bleeding. Apply a moisturizer two to three times a day (every eight to ten hours) until the scabs heal completely. Avoid products with petroleum jelly, as they can harm your new ink and disrupt healing. Also, steer clear of lotions or creams with strong perfumes and chemicals, as they can damage the skin and affect the healing process.

Don't use too much moisturizer, or your tattoo can't breathe! A thin layer of our moisturizer after washing is usually enough to keep it hydrated for several hours while allowing it to breathe.

SCABBING AND PEELING

Scabbing is important for your tattoo’s healing. A tattoo is a wound, and your body will try to heal it. If you pick off a scab too soon, it can pull out ink and create scars. It’s best to let the scabs be. When your tattoo starts to dry, you may want to itch it, but resist the urge. Instead, use moisturizer and distract yourself. The longer you leave the scabs on, the better the outcome will be.

After about a week, scabs will begin to flake and peel off on their own. Don’t pick at them; just let them heal. Most large flakes will be gone in the final healing stages, but some dead skin may remain, which will eventually disappear. Fully healing can take three to four months. By the end of three months, your tattoo should appear bright and vivid if you haven’t picked at the scabs.



If you have any further unanswered questions, please feel free to reach out!
Thank you again for trusting me with your new ink.