Caring for your work
Aftercare.
Properly caring for your tattoo in the first two to three weeks is crucial — it prevents infection and gives your new art the best possible heal. Two paths, both simple. Choose the one you and your artist landed on.
Method one
Traditional aftercare
The classic wash-and-moisturize routine. A little attention, a few times a day, for the first couple of weeks.
- 01
Remove the bandage
Take off your bandage within the first few hours after your session.
- 02
Wash gently
Wash your hands, then wash the tattoo with a mild liquid soap.
- 03
Dry with care
Air dry, or pat dry with a clean paper towel — never a shared cloth.
- 04
Moisturize lightly
Once dry, apply a very small amount of healing ointment. Aquaphor, Redemption, Hustle Butter, or cocoa butter are recommended for the first five days.
- 05
Repeat three times a day
Repeat this clean-and-moisturize process three times per day, and any time the tattoo could have become dirty.
- 06
Switch to lotion around day five
Around day five the tattoo may start to peel. At this point it’s safe to switch to a fragrance-free lotion such as Lubriderm or Curel. Always wash your hands before applying lotion or ointment.
What we reach for
Recommended balms & lotions
Ointment for the first five days, then a fragrance-free lotion once the peeling starts.
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Aquaphor
First 5 days
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Redemption
First 5 days
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Hustle Butter
First 5 days
-
Cocoa Butter
First 5 days
-
Lubriderm
Day 5 onward
-
Curel
Day 5 onward
Be aware: a fresh tattoo is an open abrasion. Any contact with dirty clothes, sheets, surfaces, hands, or animals can introduce infectious bacteria. Avoid dirty conditions, and clean your tattoo whenever you’re concerned.
While it heals
A few firm don’ts.
Don’t pick, scratch, or peel
Leave all skin and scabs alone — they’ll come off when ready, often while washing or moisturizing.
Don’t soak it
No baths, pools, or submerging. Regular showers are fine, but keep them short until the tattoo is healed.
Don’t expose to direct sun
Keep a healing tattoo out of direct sun. Once healed, always apply sunblock before sun exposure.
Method two
Second Skin healing
You and your artist may choose to apply a Second Skin occlusive bandage. This clear, breathable barrier can simplify and speed up the healing process — less daily fuss, more protection.
Wear it 4–7 days
You and your artist may choose to apply a Second Skin occlusive bandage. While it stays sealed, it’s safe to keep on for four to seven days.
Ink and blood are normal
It’s safe and normal to see some ink or blood gathering under the clear bandage as it heals.
Showers yes, soaking no
It will typically hold up in a shower, but do not submerge it. Soaking a tattoo within the first two weeks can cause infection and ink fallout.
If it’s compromised, remove it
If the bandage starts leaking, peeling, or is compromised in any way, remove it immediately. A new bandage can be reapplied right away — but not after long exposure to air and bacteria. If it causes any irritation, remove it.
Removing the bandage
- 1. Gently peel from an edge — never tear it off quickly.
- 2. Warm soapy water, coconut oil, or vegetable oil can help break down the adhesive.
- 3. Once removed, continue to clean and moisturize the tattoo daily until it’s fully healed.
If something feels wrong, reach out.
Please contact your artist or a doctor immediately if you have any concern of infection. Warning signs include:
- Excessive swelling
- Spreading redness
- Yellow discharge
- Fever
Still have a question?
We’re a message away.
When in doubt about your heal, don’t guess — reach out to your artist. We’d always rather hear from you.
Contact the studio