Congratulations on your new tattoo!

Now let’s make sure you have a smooth heal. Aftercare and healing processes should last about 2 weeks. It might take a little less or more time depending on the tattoo. Fine lines tend to heal quick, while highly saturated tattoos tend to take a little longer.

How it starts

You’ve been sent on your way with a temporary bandage AKA the chicken diaper! You can take this off right away when you get home and start your aftercare process.

Wash that thang!

Your first wash should happen right after you remove your temporary bandage. I recommend you wash your tattoo 1-3 times a day, depending on how dirty the area gets. Once in the morning, sometime in the middle of the day (if it gets real gross), and before you go to bed. To avoid irritation when washing, make sure you use unscented or antibacterial soaps such as Dr. Bronners or Dial Gold. Get the soap sudsy and gently wash with your fingers only. No loofas or other scrubbies! Rinse and air dry. Try not to dry your tattoo with towels, as these larger fibers could get into your healing tattoo wound and run the risk of infection. If you’re in a hurry, the best option for drying is to gently dab with a clean paper towel.

Moisturize!

Some people like to “dry heal” their tattoos, meaning they never put moisturizer on throughout the healing process. This is okay, and I’ve seen tattoos heal great without it! I always recommend still applying some moisture to guarantee some extra comfort and an overall smoother healing process for yourself. Only very light layers of moisturizer are needed. Overly moisturizing your tattoo could cause it heal incorrectly, and ultimately cause your tattoo to fade faster. Make sure you are using unscented or all natural moisturizers such as Cetaphil, Hustle Butter, or even coconut oil. When looking for your favorite brand, try to avoid products with petroleum in them. It’s a very heavy ingredient that could clog your pores, and we want your tattoo to breathe, baby, breathe!

Things to avoid or limit while healing

Until your tattoo is no longer scabby or glossy, you’ll want to avoid or be mindful of a few things!

Submerging in Water: No swimming, baths, hot tubs, or even sweaty saunas. Showers are still okay!

High Sun Exposure: Try to limit direct sun exposure on your tattoos if you can, and only use sun screen on your tattoo when it is completely healed

Itching, Scratching, Picking: Trust me, I know it’s hard to resist to scratch at those scabs! Picking and scratching could effect how the ink heals with your skin, ultimately lifting pigment out.

Re-Bandaging: You should never have to re-bandage your tattoo. The bandage I have you go home with is the only one that should be staying on for the recommended amount of time. Let that tattoo breathe! If you work jobs that could get your tattoo pretty messy, I recommend using a medical cohesive, loosely wound around the area

Healing Ointments/Creams/Balms: Although your tattoo is a healing wound, these products could ultimately disrupt the natural healing process we want your tattoo to go through to ensure they’re looking fresh. If you are worried about infection, please contact your primary doctor immediately and inform me on what’s going on.

Pet Dander: Please don’t ignore your pets, but be conscious of any pet dander that may get onto your healing tattoo. If pet dander gets stuck, it could ultimately run the risk of infection. If you notice this happen just make sure to give your tattoo a good ol’ wash!

If there’s anything not listed that you are concerned about, or have any additional questions regarding the healing process, please send me a message!

Happy healing!

XOXO