Tattoo Aftercare

After leaving your session, keep the bandage wrapped until you get home. Remove the bandage with clean hands.

Before the end of the day (of when you received your tattoo)

  • Apply a hot compress. Start by getting a paper towel and running it under hot water from your sink. Soak the paper towel, and then immediately apply it to your tattoo. Hold the hot paper towel on your tattoo for one minute. Re-soak the paper towel and repeat this 10 times in a row. Pat dry your tattoo with a clean, dry paper towel. Do not rewrap your tattoo. 

  • If your tattoo is larger than a paper towel or in a hard to reach spot: take a hot shower and let the hot water run over your unwrapped tattoo for 10 minutes. Do not submerge your tattoo. Pat dry your tattoo with a clean, dry paper towel. Do not rewrap your tattoo. 

Starting the next day

Clean your tattoo with antibacterial soap and apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 1-2x a day. 

While your tattoo is healing

Do not soak or submerge your tattoo. Especially avoid salt water, pools, and baths. Please also try to avoid situations where you will not be able to give your tattoo an optimal healing environment (ex: backpacking). Try to avoid direct exposure to sunlight until the tattoo is healed enough to use sunscreen. Sweating and working out after the compress is okay! Just be sure to wash the tattoo shortly afterwards. 

If your tattoo is feeling itchy, you can pat the area for relief! Do not itch the tattoo. If your tattoo happens to scab or peel, do not pick or peel. Let the tattoo breathe and let your body heal itself. :) 

Your tattoo should be fully healed in one month, although healing time may vary. 

After Healing & Touch Ups

Your tattoo is a lifelong investment and should be cared for accordingly! Consistent use of sunscreen and lotion is recommended.

If you feel that your tattoo is in need of a touch up after it has healed, please reach out with an updated photo of your tattoo and your availability; if touch ups are needed, I will happily schedule you for a touch up session. Touch ups are free as long as you follow aftercare instructions and come in within one year of the initial tattoo.