Once you complete your tattoo, proceed to these aftercare steps. These are critical for ensuring your tattoo heals properly.

• Clean the tattooed area using green soap or other disinfectant.

• If you have no known adhesive allergies, cover the tattoo with a barrier (a hydrocolloid patch is recommended but SecondSkin can also be used as an alternative) ensuring ½-1” coverage around the tattooed area.

• PRO TIP: If placement allows, consider lightly wrapping with grip tape to ensure the barrier is well adhered.

• If you have a known adhesive allergy, you can use gel products such as hydrocolloid gels. Re-apply until the step below.

• In 3 to 4 days, remove the barrier covering your tattoo, or as advised by the manufacturer of your chosen barrier.
  If using an adhesive barrier, remove under running water to minimize discomfort.

• Clean the area with unscented soap and then moisturize with a fragrance free and non-greasy moisturizer (Vanicream is a popular option) 2-3 times per day until the tattoo is fully healed.

• With made-to-fade tattoos, avoid using petroleum based products, such as Aquaphor.

The healing process can take up to 4 weeks and during this time, you may notice flakiness, redness, raised lines or white dots. These are all normal. Great healing starts with good habits and the better you heal, the better your tattoo will look!

What to Do

• Keep your tattoo lightly moisturized and clean.

• Cover it from direct sunlight while healing, and use sunscreen (SPF 50).

• Take it easy with the abrasives, stretching, sweating, and shaving for the next month as your tattoo heals. We give you permission to use your tattoo as a reason not to go to the gym or shave your legs 😉

• If your tattoo is itchy or red, apply a small amount of 1% Hydrocortisone cream. However, moisturizing might be a simple solution since often, itchy or uncomfortable tattoos arise from dry skin.

What to Avoid

• Don’t pick, scratch, or itch your tattoo. This may increase your risk of ink falling out and scarring while your tattoo is healing.

• Avoid swimming, bathing, or generally submerging your tattoo while healing to avoid infections or exposure to harsh chemicals in the pool.

• Avoid abrasive or exfoliation while your tattoo is healing. This includes shaving, rough clothing textures, strong loofahs, and exfoliating skincare products.

• Abstain from sunbathing or tanning during your first month, and use SPF 50 if your tattoo has to be exposed to the sun.

• Reduce strenuous activity while healing. This depends on placement, but sweat, friction, and repeated skin stretch (and accidents/abrasions if you play a sport) can damage your skin’s delicate healing process.