Pre-care & Aftercare

Before your appointment

To help your appointment go smoothly and your tattoo heal well, keep these basics in mind.

The week before

• Moisturize and gently exfoliate the area if your artist says it's okay. Healthy skin is easier to tattoo and easier to heal.

The day of

• Eat a solid meal and drink plenty of water.
• Come in rested.
• Wear something comfortable that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.

What to bring

• Headphones, a book, or anything quiet that helps you stay comfortable.
• An extra layer, pillow, or blanket if you get cold easily.
• Water and snacks if you want them. We keep a few basics around too.
• If you want company, one or two guests is usually fine.

Aftercare

Cleanliness matters most. A fresh tattoo should be treated like open skin while it heals. Be gentle with it and avoid anything that adds irritation or bacteria.

Standard bandage or wrap

1. Leave the wrap on until you're home and can wash the tattoo in a clean space.
2. Wash your hands first, then remove the bandage slowly.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water and wash with unscented liquid antibacterial soap using clean hands only.
4. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
5. Apply a very thin layer of unscented ointment if your artist recommends it. Avoid heavy creams that keep the skin overly wet.
6. Clean it two to four times a day until healing is complete. Most tattoos take around three to four weeks.

Saniderm, Tegaderm, or a similar bandage

If adhesives bother your skin, skip this option and follow the standard wrap instructions instead.

1. Leave it on for about three days.
2. If the area gets very red or very itchy, remove it sooner and switch to standard wrap care.
3. Showering is fine. Swimming, baths, and hot tubs are not.
4. Remove it slowly under warm running water.
5. Wash, rinse, pat dry, and continue with gentle daily cleaning and a thin layer of ointment as needed.

How you'll know it's healed

Most tattoos take about three to four weeks to settle. Larger pieces, heavier saturation, and sensitive skin can take longer. A healed tattoo should no longer feel tender, shiny, or flaky.

What's normal while it heals

• Mild swelling, warmth, flaking, itching, and light scabbing can all be normal.
• Do not pick or peel scabs.
• Call a doctor if you notice spreading redness, fever, yellow-green drainage, or pain that keeps getting worse.
• If you're unsure whether something looks normal, contact your artist.

While it's healing

• No swimming or long soaks.
• Wear loose layers so fabric does not stick and tug.
• Keep it out of direct sun. Once healed, sunscreen helps preserve the tattoo.
• Use clean sheets and towels while it is still fresh.