Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Quick version

Leave the wrap on for the time I tell you at your appointment. (30 minutes to 3 hours for plastic, 3–5 days for Saniderm)
Clean gently with a clean hand and Dial Gold Soap, then pat dry. Do not use sponges, loofahs, or rags.
Moisturize with a thin layer of Aquaphor. (switch to an unscented lotion or tattoo balm after day 3)
No pools, baths, lakes, or oceans for at least 3 weeks.
Don't pick at peeling skin or scabs, and avoid direct sunlight for 2–3 weeks.
Itching, redness, swelling, and peeling are all normal for up to 4 weeks.
Something feel off? Reach out to me directly!

The healing process for a tattoo typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks. Within the first 24–48 hours, your tattoo will push out excess fluid and ink. This is completely normal! After your tattoo is done, I'll wrap it one of two ways, depending on the tattoo and your preferences.

If wrapped with plastic

Leave the wrap on for 30 minutes to 3 hours. I'll let you know the exact time at your appointment. During this time, your tattoo will be pushing out excess fluid and ink.

Once the wrap comes off, there may be a thick plasma on the surface. This is normal. Using a clean hand and Dial Gold Soap, gently clean the area, removing all plasma and ink, then pat dry with a clean towel.

Moisturize with a thin layer of Aquaphor. Don't over-apply! If you can still see a shine, dab off the excess with a clean towel. After about day 3, you can switch to an unscented lotion or tattoo balm for the remaining two weeks.

If wrapped with Saniderm

Saniderm will stay on for 3-5 days, during which your tattoo will keep pushing out fluid and ink. This plasma sits between your skin and the wrap, which is okay. If it's draining heavily and compromising the wrap, come back to the studio and I'll change it for you.

If you notice redness, swelling, or irritation on the edges of the Saniderm, not the tattoo itself, remove it right away with warm water and Dial Gold Soap and continue healing as described above.

Once it comes off, clean well with a clean hand and Dial Gold Soap, pat dry, and apply Aquaphor, tattoo balm, or an unscented lotion. Clean once or twice a day and moisturize 2–3 times a day for at least a week after removal.

What's normal during healing

Complete healing can take up to 4 weeks. It's totally normal for your tattoo to be itchy, swollen, red, scabbing, peeling, irritated, or pushing out fluid during this time.

When to see a doctor

Most healing discomfort is normal. These are not. If you notice any of them, contact a doctor or urgent care rather than waiting:

Fever or chills
Redness that spreads outward from the tattoo, or red streaking on the skin
The area feels hot to the touch
Thick yellow or green discharge, or a foul smell
Pain that gets worse after the first few days instead of better
A rash or hives across the tattoo

The DON'Ts

Don't wash your tattoo with anything abrasive, like sponges, loofahs, or rags.

Don't submerge it in ANY standing water like pools, baths, lakes, or oceans for at least 3 weeks.

Don't pick at peeling skin or scabs.

Don't over-saturate it with ointment. It should barely shine after application. Avoid direct sunlight for 2-3 weeks.

If something feels off or you're having trouble healing, reach out to me directly and I'll help you.

Long-term care

Once fully healed, keep moisturizing regularly and apply sunscreen before heading out. It'll help your tattoo age well and prevent it from fading as quickly.

Touch-ups

I do offer touch-ups if needed, though with proper aftercare they're usually not necessary. If you think your tattoo needs one, just reach out and we'll schedule an appointment. Touch-ups do not extend beyond a year, are not provided if you were advised to alter the tattoo for better healing, and are not valid for tattoos other than my own.