Wash gently
Use clean hands, lukewarm water, and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Work the lather with fingertips — never scrub or use a washcloth.
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Aftercare
HEAL THE PIECE RIGHT
Good aftercare protects line clarity, saturation, and skin health. Follow your artist's instructions first — use this guide as a reference.
Pat dry
Use a clean disposable paper towel and gently pat the tattoo dry. Never rub. Do not use shared bath towels — they carry bacteria.
Apply a thin layer
Use the recommended aftercare product sparingly. A pea-sized amount is enough. Too much product suffocates the skin and slows healing.
Avoid soaking
No pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, or ocean water until fully healed — usually 3-4 weeks. Showering is fine; just keep it brief.
Avoid sun
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight during healing. Once healed, always use SPF 30+ sunscreen — UV breaks down ink over time.
Do not pick or scratch
Flaking and itching are normal during healing. Picking at scabs can pull out ink, cause scarring, and ruin fine detail permanently.
Healing timeline
What to expect
Days 1–3
Redness and tenderness are normal. Keep the initial wrap on for the time your artist recommends, then begin gentle washing. A thin layer of aftercare product twice daily. The tattoo may ooze plasma — this is normal.
Days 4–14
Peeling and flaking begin. Continue gentle washing and light moisturizing. The tattoo may look dull or cloudy — this is the outer layer of skin healing. Do not pick at peeling skin.
Days 15–30+
Surface healing is mostly complete. The tattoo should look vibrant again. Continue moisturizing and sun protection. Full deep-skin healing can take 2–3 months.
Protect the work
What to avoid
Tight clothing
Friction irritates healing skin
Heavy exercise
Sweat and friction risk infection
Scented products
Fragrances and alcohol sting open skin
Tanning beds
UV exposure ruins fresh ink
Submerging
Bacteria in pools, tubs, lakes, and ocean
Pet contact
Pet dander and hair near healing skin
When to contact the studio
Most tattoos peel, itch, and dull temporarily during healing — that's normal. Contact us immediately if you notice unusual swelling, green or yellow discharge, fever, severe pain, or anything that feels medically concerning. When in doubt, reach out.