Aftercare

Thanks so much for getting a tattoo from me- enjoy your new piece! Following these aftercare steps will help ensure that your tattoo heals well and remains vibrant for years to come. If you have any questions, please email me and I’ll be happy to help!

suggested supplies

  • A mild, fragrance-free, and/or antibacterial soap

    • Such as Dove Sensitive Skin Bar, Hustle Bubbles Deluxe, Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, or H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap

  • Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer with no additives (preferably uncontaminated and/or newly opened)

    • Hustle Butter Deluxe, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Tattoo Goo, or 100% Virgin Coconut Oil

I recommend these aftercare products based on a wide variety of factors including affordability, availability, allergy-friendly ingredients, and cruelty-free processes. If you have sensitive skin or prone to allergic reactions, I recommend performing a patch test before using any of these products for the first time.

immediate mental aftercare

Getting a tattoo can be mentally as it is physically draining on the body. This is due to the natural physiological fight-or-flight reaction that occurs in response to pain (regardless of how much pain you experienced/felt). The surge and subsequent drop in adrenaline and endorphins can cause you to feel emotionally/mentally exhausted for minutes or hours following the tattoo appointment.

Mental aftercare can begin with some paced breathing, or just a mental check-in. It may be helpful to replenish your body with water or an electrolyte-based drink, and a snack/meal. Note that while many people experience a drop in blood sugar, people with diabetes may experience the opposite. You may want to consider taking to a relaxing activity that you enjoy such as watching your favorite TV show or talking with a friend. While mental aftercare is not paramount to the aftercare process, acts of self soothing and support can help to rebalance your body’s sympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to be in a better place to heal your new tattoo.

dermshield/second skin bandage

I’ve likely sent you home with a Dermshield bandage on your fresh tattoo! Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days. You can shower normally. Please refrain from submerging your tattoo in standing water. For the first few days, try your best to avoid excessive sweating. Take the bandage off early if it leaks, peels to the tattoo, or causes irritation around the edges of the bandage (not caused by the healing tattoo).

After 3-5 days, remove the bandage, preferably in a warm shower. Let the water heat up the adhesive and pull it off carefully and slowly in the direction your hair grows. Let the heat from the water work off the adhesive if it seems stuck.

after bandage removal

  • When the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo gently with water and mild soap. Pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t use anything that has been used before or can easily collect bacteria.

  • Apply a very small amount of moisturizer to your tattoo and gently rub it into the skin. Try to avoid over-applying to allow the skin to breathe.

  • Repeat washing and moisturizing at least 2 times per day until the tattoo starts to peel. At this point you can go down to 1-2 times per day.

  • Your tattoo will be fully healed at around 3-4 weeks.

things to avoid

  • Do not pick at or scratch your tattoo. To soothe the itch, you can apply a thin layer of lotion to your tattoo to moisturize it.

  • You can shower as normal. Avoid submerging your tattoo in standing water (lakes, pools, hot tubes, baths etc.) for 4 weeks, or until your tattoo is fully healed.

  • Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight, especially during the spring and summer months. Keep it covered up while it is healing. After your tattoo is fully healed, use sunscreen anytime you are expecting direct sun exposure.

  • Continue to avoid alcohol for the day after your tattoo, as well as blood thinners like aspirin, to the best of your abilities.

  • If at any time in the healing process you experience worsening pain or swelling in the area, excessive redness or warmth around the tattoo, or a fever please seek medical attention immediately.