Aftercare is an incredibly important part of the tattoo process and can affect healing time, efficacy of healing, loss of pigments, and risk of infection. PLEASE perform your aftercare diligently and carefully to protect your body and your art investment! Never hesitate to reach out if you have questions about aftercare, I'm here for you.​

​

The best type of aftercare for you is going to depend on your skin type, the tattoo itself, and your lifestyle/activities. I will tell you the best way to heal for your specific situation at the end of our appointment. Below, please find detailed instructions on the three approaches that I typically use.

​

Dry Healing Instructions 

​

1. I will apply Saran Wrap at the end of our session. Leave this on for 1-3 hours.

2. Remove the Saran Wrap and wash the area. For most tattoos, this is easiest in the shower.

3. While washing, use a clean shirt/sock/washcloth and some anti-bacterial soap to scrub the tattoo. You want to get any plasma or dried fluids completely off.

4. End the shower with cold water to close the pores. 

5. Use a clean paper towel to tap it dry for 10-20 minutes until it completely stops oozing. If you don’t get it fully dry in this stage, it will scab which is what you want to minimize. 

6. Make sure you sleep on clean sheets. Wrapping the tattooed area in a clean T-Shirt can also help protect it and prevent ink stains from getting on your bed.

7. Let the arm dry heal for three or four days, washing twice per day. During each wash, use anti-bacterial soap and pat dry afterwards. 

8. After the initial would has closed (generally at the three or four day mark), the skin will start to feel increasingly dry. At this point, begin to lightly moisturize with unscented lotion, or Coconut Oil. You can also use a tattoo healing balm like Hustle Butter if you would like, but ensure that you're applying a very light layer, and only start to moisturize after the initial wound has closed.

9. The tattoo should fully heal in 10-14 days. 

​

- Avoid sweating or exposing the tattoo to any potentially dirty environments like the gym for at least 3 or 4 days. After this period, use your discretion but be sure to wash your tattoo after any potential exposure.

​- DO NOT soak your tattoo for at least 2-3 weeks (including tubs, hot tubs, sauna, or extremely sweaty environments like heated yoga).

- Avoid any direct sun exposure by covering up with clothing for at least 2-3 weeks. Afterwards always use sunscreen to protect your ink (UV rays will break down tattoo pigments over time). 

​

Derm Shield Instructions

​

1. I will apply an adhesive Derm Sheild bandage at the end of our appointment. If you have adhesive allergies and we decide not to use Derm Sheild, please follow the Hustlebutter instructions at the end of this page.

2. You can shower with the Derm Sheild on, just do your best to avoid direct water pressure, gently wash around the bandage, and pat dry afterwards. 

3. Take the Derm Sheild bandage off after 3-4 days. The tattoo will weep fluid for the first few days and this is completely normal. If fluid is leading out of the bandage or if the bandage is compromised in any way such that it is no longer protecting your full tattoo, remove the bandage and follow the Hustle Butter instructions at the end of this page. 

4. To remove bandage, peel from top to bottom in the direction of the growth of your hair. It can help to do this in the shower while the bandage is wet, although this is not required. 

5. Once bandage is removed, wash with unscented antibacterial soap. I prefer to use unscented Dial Gold hand soap. No need to scrub, just gently wash with your fingertips then pat dry with a clean paper towel.

6. Once dry, put a thin layer of unscented lotion. I recommend Lubriderm or Dr. Bronners unscented salve. 

7. Moisturize 2-3x a day (or whenever it feels dry) until healed, about 2-3 weeks from getting your tattoo.

8. Your tattoo is likely to feel itchy at some points during healing, PLEASE DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO. Instead, moisturizer to relieve the itchiness. 

9. Continue to moisturize and take good care of your skin after healing.

​

• No soaking/swimming for an absolute minimum 3-4 weeks, I personally wait 4 to be safe.

  Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 2-3 days (1-week, if possible)

• Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks, after this time use sunscreen!

• No heavy sweating (working out) when Saniderm is on.

• The Derm Sheild bandage is water resistant, but I recommend quick showers for the days that you have the bandage on.

 

Hustle Butter/Aquaphor Instructions

​​

If you don't use Derm Shield and you would prefer not to dry heal, this is a third option. 

​

​​1. I will apply a covering to your tattoo before you leave. Please leave this covering on for 1-3 hours.

2. Before removing the covering and each cleaning, WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY.

3. After removing the covering, wash the tattoo gently with unscented antibacterial soap. I recommend Dial Gold hand soap. After washing, pat dry with a clean paper towel and wait 3-5 minutes for any left over moisture to evaporate.

4. Once dry, apply a VERY light layer of either Hustle Butter, Inkeeze or Aquaphor. I recommend either Hustle Butter or Inkeeze which can be ordered online. Aquaphor can be found at your local drug store, however some artists are now avoiding Aquaphor because it is a Petrolatum-based product. Regardless of what ointment you use, it is most effective when you don't use very much. You want to use just enough to keep the area from drying out. Feel free to dab off excess ointment with a paper towel, until there is just enough for the area to have a slight shine. There should not be a visible layer of ointment on top of the tattoo.

5. Clean and moisturize with this process 2-3 times daily for the first 3-4 days of healing (or until your tattoo has completely peeled). 

6. Be sure not to pick at or scratch any scabs or flakes of ink that begin to come off as the tattoo heals. These will naturally fall off when they are ready, during the cleaning process. 

7. After your tattoo has peeled, switch from ointment to an unscented lotion such as Lubriderm. Continue to clean the tattoo before applying lotion for the entirety of the healing process (2-4 weeks). 

​

• No soaking/swimming for an absolute minimum 3-4 weeks, I personally wait 4 to be safe.

• Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 2-3 days (1-week, if possible)

• Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks, after this time use sunscreen!

• Take short showers and avoid direct water pressure on the tattooed area.