Gentle Care

Tattoo Aftercare

Proper aftercare ensures your beautiful tattoo heals beautifully. Follow these gentle steps for the best results.

Right Away

First Few Hours

What to do immediately after your tattoo session

1

Leave the bandage on

For 2-4 hours (we'll tell you the exact timing based on your tattoo)

2

Wash your hands thoroughly

Before removing the bandage—clean hands are essential

3

Gently wash the tattoo

With lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap

4

Pat dry with paper towel

Never rub—always pat gently

5

Apply a thin layer

Of unscented, gentle lotion

What to Expect

Healing Timeline

Your tattoo will go through several stages as it heals

Days 1-3

Fresh & Tender

Your tattoo feels fresh and slightly tender. You may notice some light oozing—this is completely normal. Keep it clean and moisturized.

Days 4-7

Flaking Begins

The skin begins to flake and peel. This is totally normal! Your tattoo may feel itchy. Don't pick or scratch—let it heal naturally.

Week 2-3

Surface Healing

Flaking subsides and your tattoo looks healed on the surface. Still be gentle with it—the deeper layers are still healing.

Weeks 4-6

Complete Healing

The deeper layers continue healing. Your tattoo may look slightly cloudy before settling into its final, vibrant appearance.

Remember

Do's & Don'ts

Essential guidelines for the first 2-3 weeks

Leave bandage on for 2-4 hours We'll tell you the exact timing
Wash hands before touching Every single time
Gently wash 2x daily Lukewarm water, fragrance-free soap
Pat dry with paper towel Never rub—always pat
Apply thin layer of lotion Unscented, gentle moisturizer
Wear loose, breathable clothing Over your tattoo area
Don't soak in water No baths, pools, or hot tubs for 2-3 weeks
Don't pick or scratch Let flaking skin fall off naturally
Don't expose to direct sun Keep it covered or shaded
Don't use scented products No fragranced lotions or Vaseline
Don't exercise intensely For the first 48 hours
Don't wear tight clothing That rubs against your tattoo
Don't Worry

What's Normal

These are all part of the natural healing process

Light Flaking

Like a sunburn—this is your skin healing naturally

Temporary Dullness

The color will come back after healing completes

Mild Itching

Don't scratch! Gently pat or apply a thin layer of lotion

Our Recommendations

Recommended Products

Products we trust for healing your tattoo beautifully

Fragrance-Free Soap

  • Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented
  • Dial Gold
  • CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Gentle Moisturizer

  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture (unscented)
  • Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
  • Eucerin Original Healing Cream

Tattoo-Specific

  • Hustle Butter
  • After Inked
  • Aquaphor (thin layer only)
Important

When to Contact Us

Please reach out if you experience any of these

  • Excessive redness spreading beyond the tattoo area
  • Yellow or green discharge
  • Severe pain or signs of infection
  • Fever or feeling unwell
  • Anything that doesn't seem right to you

We're always happy to answer questions or take a look at how your tattoo is healing. There are no silly questions!

Forever Beautiful

Long-Term Love

Protect your investment for years to come

Sun Protection

Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen on your healed tattoo when in the sun—this keeps it vibrant for years!

Stay Moisturized

Keep your skin moisturized for optimal appearance and tattoo longevity.

Free Touch-Ups

We offer free touch-ups within the first year if you followed these aftercare instructions.

Questions or Concerns?

We're Always Here to Help

If you have any worries about how your tattoo is healing, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your experience matters to us from start to finish.