Care & Feeding for Your Tattoo

Congratulations on your new tattoo!

Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth healing process and the best possible result.

Immediately After Your Appointment

  • Leave your bandage on overnight.

  • Remove the bandage the following morning, or when you get in the shower.

  • Wash the tattoo thoroughly with a mild antibacterial soap using warm to hot water that is comfortable for you.

  • Do not use water hot enough to burn or irritate the skin.

  • Rinse well and dry the tattoo completely with a clean towel or paper towel.

The First DaY

It is normal for a fresh tattoo to release a small amount of plasma, ink, or fluid.

After washing and drying, the tattoo may become moist again within the first hour.

If this happens:

  • Wash it again with mild antibacterial soap.

  • Dry it thoroughly.

Keeping the tattoo clean and dry during the first day is important for proper healing.

Daily Care

  • Wash the tattoo once daily with a mild antibacterial soap and warm water.

  • Dry the tattoo thoroughly after each washing.

  • Avoid soaking the tattoo in baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, or oceans while it is healing.

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure during the healing process.

Peeling and Itching

After approximately 3–5 days, your tattoo will likely begin to:

  • Flake

  • Peel

  • Itch

This is a normal part of the healing process.

If the tattoo feels dry or itchy, apply a very small amount of a mild, fragrance-free lotion.

A little goes a long way. Using too much lotion can slow healing.

Do not scratch, pick, or peel flaking skin. Allow it to come off naturally.

Every Tattoo Heals Differently

The information above describes the typical healing process for most tattoos. However, healing can vary depending on:

  • The location of the tattoo on the body

  • The size and style of the tattoo

  • Individual skin type

    • The specific tattooing techniques used

Certain areas of the body and certain types of tattooing may heal differently and require special attention.

You will be given any additional aftercare instructions specific to your tattoo at the time of your appointment.

Questions During Healing?

If something doesn’t seem right, don’t guess—reach out.

Every tattoo and every person heals a little differently. I’d much rather answer a question early than have you risk damaging your tattoo or affecting the final result.

If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact me and I’ll be happy to help.

Remember:

Keep it clean, keep it dry, and let your body do the healing.

The better you care for your tattoo during the first few weeks, the better it will look for years to come.