TATTOO CARE
PREPARATION · HEALING · PRESERVATION
Your tattoo is a collaboration between artist, skin, and time.
Thoughtful preparation and proper aftercare help protect the artwork while your skin does what it does best: heal.
BEFORE
PREPARE YOUR SKIN
REST WELL
Get a full night of sleep before your appointment.
HYDRATE
Drink plenty of water before and on the day of your session.
EXFOLIATE
Gently exfoliate the area beforehand to remove dead skin.
MOISTURIZE
Apply an unscented lotion the night before.
No lotion on the day of your appointment.
AFTER
PROTECT THE ART
Treat your fresh tattoo like an open wound while it heals.
CLEAN
Gently wash with a mild antibacterial soap. Never scrub.
MOISTURIZE
Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer 2–3 times daily, or as needed. Less is more.
KEEP IT DRY
For at least 2 weeks, do not submerge your tattoo in the ocean, pools, baths, hot tubs, or other bodies of water.
PROTECT IT FROM THE SUN
Avoid direct sunlight for a minimum of 2 weeks. Once fully healed, protect your tattoo from prolonged sun exposure. And don't forget to use sunscreen.
LET IT PEEL
Peeling and light scabbing are part of the healing process. Allow your skin to shed naturally.
Do not pick, scratch, or pull.
AVOID EXCESS MOISTURE
Over-moisturizing can interfere with healing. Keep the skin lightly hydrated, never saturated.
PAUSE THE SWEAT
With Saran Wrap: avoid excessive sweating and strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours.
With Second Skin: wait until the bandage has been removed before exercising or activities that cause significant sweating.
HOLD THE RAZOR
Avoid shaving directly over the tattoo for 2 weeks.
THE ESSENTIALS
SIMPLE CARE. BEAUTIFUL HEALING.
SOAP
Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented
Hustle Butter Foaming Unscented
Dial Gold Antibacterial
MOISTURIZER
Lubriderm Unscented
Aquaphor
Mad Rabbit
Hustle Butter
These are products I personally use and rotate through during the healing process.
REMEMBER
CLEAN · HYDRATE · PROTECT · DON'T PICK
Give your skin time.
Give your tattoo space to heal.
The better you care for it now, the longer the artwork will stay beautiful.
