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HEALING GUIDE

TATTOO AFTERCARE

Follow these steps carefully. Good aftercare means a cleaner, crisper, longer-lasting tattoo. When in doubt, message me — don't wait.

Phase 1 |

FIRST 24 HOURS

Leave the bandage on

Keep the initial covering on for 2–4 hours after your session. Don't sleep on it if possible — lay a clean towel over your bed if you need to sleep.

First wash

Remove the bandage. Wash gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap — no fragrance, no dye, no scrubbing. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Never use a shared towel.

Apply lotion

Once dry, apply a THIN layer of unscented lotion (CetrIM, Lubriderm, or similar). Just enough to feel barely moist — not greasy. Pat excess with paper towel.

Phase 2 |

DAYS 1–14 — HEALING

  • Lotion 2–3x daily — Unscented only. If it stings, you're using too much or the wrong product.
  • No soaking — No pools, ocean, baths, or jacuzzi. Quick showers are fine — just don't let the tattoo sit in water.
  • No direct sunlight — Keep it covered or in shade. Fresh tattoos fade faster in UV light.
  • No scratching or picking — It will peel and feel itchy. That's normal. Slap it gently instead of scratching. Do not peel the skin.
  • Let it breathe — Don't keep it covered all day. Open air helps the surface skin heal faster. Loose clothing only over the area.
  • No gym on fresh ink — Sweat and friction on a fresh tattoo can cause ink rejection and infection. Wait 48 hours before intense exercise.
Phase 3 |

WEEKS 2–4 — SETTLING

The surface looks healed but the deeper layers are still rebuilding. Continue moisturizing once or twice daily. You may still see some dead skin flaking off — that's normal.

This is when the tattoo will look its worst — slightly cloudy, dull, or even like the ink is fading. It's not. The ink is settling into the mid-layers of skin. Don't panic.

Expected timeline

Surface skin closes: 2–3 weeks. Full internal healing: 3–6 months. Tattoo looks best: 1 month after session (after dead skin settles).

Phase 4 |

LONG-TERM CARE

  • SPF 30+ always — Sun is the #1 cause of tattoo fading. Apply sunscreen over healed tattoos when the area will be exposed.
  • Moisturize daily — Dry skin accelerates ink breakdown. A daily unscented lotion keeps the skin supple and the ink contained.
  • Watch for color changes — If you notice the ink looking raised, bumpy, or changing color months after healing, get it checked — don't ignore signs of reaction.

When to contact me immediately

  • Signs of infection: increasing redness, heat, pus, or red streaks spreading from the tattoo
  • Severe allergic reaction: raised bumps, intense itching, or swelling beyond the tattoo area
  • Fever or chills accompanying a red/hot tattoo
  • The tattoo was mechanically injured (hit, torn, scraped) while healing

Questions about your healing? Message me directly.

CONTACT ME