Healing Guide

Tattoo Aftercare Guide

Your tattoo is an open wound for the first couple of weeks — how you care for it decides how it heals. Follow these steps and text me if anything looks off.

Step 1

Your Bandage

You'll leave with one of two types of covering. Follow the one you were sent home with.

A

Second Skin / Clear Film

If you have a clear adhesive film (Second Skin, Saniderm, or similar), leave it on for 2–3 days. A little fluid buildup underneath is normal. If it leaks or lifts, remove it early. To take it off, peel slowly under warm running water — never rip it off dry. Then wash as in Step 2 and switch to the daily routine below.

B

Traditional Wrap

If you have a standard bandage or plastic wrap, remove it after 2–4 hours (or overnight if you were told to). Don't re-wrap it. Wash it right away as in Step 2, then let it breathe and begin the daily routine.

Step 2 & Beyond

Daily Routine

For the first 2–3 weeks, keep it simple and consistent.

🧼 Wash 2–3× a day. Clean hands, lukewarm water, a small amount of fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Gently — no scrubbing, no washcloths.
🧻 Pat dry. Blot with a clean paper towel and let it air-dry a few minutes. Never rub with a bath towel.
🧴 Moisturize thin. A light layer of fragrance-free lotion (Aveeno, Lubriderm, or a tattoo balm) 2–3× a day. Too much suffocates it.
🙌 Let it peel on its own. Flaking and light scabbing are normal around days 4–10. Do not pick, scratch, or peel it — you'll pull the ink out.
While It Heals

Avoid for 2–3 Weeks

☀️

Sun & Tanning

No direct sun or tanning beds on a healing tattoo — it fades and damages the ink. Once healed, always use sunscreen to keep it sharp.

🏊

Soaking

No pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, or the ocean. Showers only — don't let it sit under running water too long.

🏋️

Gym & Exercise

Skip the gym for 24–48 hours — heavy sweating, friction, and bacteria can interfere with healing and raise the risk of infection. After that, light exercise is okay as long as it doesn't irritate or stretch the tattooed area; avoid workouts that put heavy stress on it until it's healed (usually 2–3 weeks). If you do work out, wear clean, loose-fitting clothing and wash the tattoo immediately afterward.

✋

Picking

Don't scratch or pick scabs, and keep pets and dirty hands off it. Slap it lightly if it itches.

🚫

Thick Ointments

Avoid Aquaphor, Vaseline, and other petroleum-based ointments unless I specifically tell you otherwise — they're very thick and trap excess moisture, making it harder for your tattoo to breathe and heal. Use a light, fragrance-free moisturizer in a thin layer instead.

Signs of infection are rare, but text me right away if you notice: spreading redness, swelling that worsens after day 3, pus, a fever, or a rash around the tattoo. When in doubt, send a photo — and see a doctor if it's severe.

Questions about your healing tattoo? The fastest way to reach me is a text.

💬 Text Me: 602.935.7020 Book Your Next Piece

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