after care
Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo is fresh, and how it heals is just as important as how it went on.
Healing isn't complicated. Keep it clean, don't over-moisturize it, and let your body do what it does best.
When You Get Home
Once you're home, wash your hands and remove your bandage.
Wash your tattoo gently using clean hands and a foaming antibacterial soap, such as Dial® Foaming Antibacterial Soap.
Pat it dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry before applying anything to it.
Moisturizing
For the first two weeks, apply a very thin layer of Hustle Butter or an unscented lotion 2 to 3 times a day.
Less is more. Your tattoo shouldn't feel greasy or look shiny.
Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo, and avoid double-dipping into your moisturizer after your fingers have touched your skin.
What to Expect
Your tattoo will usually start peeling around days 3 to 5.
This is completely normal.
You may notice:
Light flaking
Mild itching
Dry skin
Thin scabs
A little tenderness
Let everything come off naturally.
Don't scratch it.
Don't pick at it.
Don't try to speed up the process.
If it gets itchy, lightly pat the area instead.
Things to Avoid
For the first two weeks:
Swimming pools
Lakes
Rivers
Oceans
Hot tubs
Baths
Long showers
Direct sunlight
Tight or abrasive clothing over the tattoo
Letting other people touch it
Treat it like the open wound it is.
Long-Term Care
Most tattoos are largely healed after 2 to 3 weeks, but they'll continue settling in over the next several weeks.
Once it's healed, sunscreen is the best thing you can do to keep your tattoo looking sharp. The less sun it gets, the longer it'll stay looking fresh.
When to Reach Out
Some redness, tenderness, and peeling are all part of a normal healing process.
Please contact us if you notice:
Redness that's getting worse instead of better
Thick yellow or green drainage
Excessive swelling
Fever
Severe pain that continues to increase
Anything that doesn't seem right
If you're unsure whether something is normal, send us a message. We'd much rather answer a question than have you stress over it.