TATTOO AFTERCARE

  • Yes. Mild redness, swelling, itching, and flaking are all a normal part of the healing process. These symptoms should gradually improve as your tattoo heals. Avoid scratching or picking, and continue following the aftercare instructions provided.

  • Light activity is usually fine after the first few days, as long as the tattoo isn’t being rubbed, stretched, or soaked in sweat. Avoid heavy workouts, excessive sweating, or friction on the tattoo until it has healed further. When in doubt, give it more time.

    My honest answer - give it 3 weeks before working out again.

  • Avoid swimming and fully submerging your tattoo for at least 3 weeks. Direct sun exposure should also be avoided during healing. Once healed, always use sunscreen to protect your tattoo and help it age well.

  • If something doesn’t feel right or looks unusual, reach out to me. I’m always happy to take a look and help guide you. If you have concerns beyond normal healing, you should also consult a medical professional.

  • Use a light, unscented liquid soap and light, unscented moisturizer. Avoid scented products, bar soaps, petroleum-based products, or anything not recommended for healing tattoos. Less is more.

    If you’d like, you can reach out to me and I’ll tell you the products I personally use.

  • Yes.

BANDAGE CARE

  • Keep your bandage on for 4-6 days, unless otherwise instructed.

  • When removing the bandage, use clean hands and warm water. Remove slowly and gently.

CLEANING YOUR TATTOO

  • Wash your tattoo using a light, unscented liquid soap. DO NOT USE BAR SOAP.

  • Clean the tattoo 3 times per wash, rinsing thoroughly between each pass.

  • Repeat this cleaning process twice daily.

  • Continue washing your tattoo twice a day for a minimum of 3 weeks.

DRYING

  • After washing, pat-dry with fresh paper towel ONLY and then allow the tattoo to air dry for 20 minutes before applying any product.

  • DO NOT use anything other than paper towel to dry and do not rub the tattoo. Only pat-dry.

MOISTURIZING

  • Do not apply moisturizer until the end of day 6 or beginning of day 7.

  • Use a light, unscented moisturizer.

  • Apply a thin layer only, 2-3 times per day max.

  • You do not need to over moisturize your tattoo.

LONG TERM CARE

  • Moisturizing doesn’t stop once it’s healed — keep your tattoo moisturized for life to maintain its appearance and longevity.

WHAT TO AVOID

To ensure proper healing and the best long-term results, please avoid the following while your tattoo is healing:

  • Do not submerge your tattoo in water (baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, etc.) for at least 3 weeks.

  • Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds while healing. Once healed, always use sunscreen to protect your tattoo.

  • DO NOT pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo, even if it becomes itchy or starts to flake.

  • Avoid tight or abrasive clothing that may rub against the tattoo.

  • DO NOT over-moisturize. Applying too much product can slow healing and cause irritation.

  • Avoid heavy sweating (gyms, saunas, intense workouts) during the early healing stage.

  • DO NOT use scented products, petroleum-based products, or healing ointments not recommended by your artist.

  • Avoid bar soap and washcloths — use clean hands only.

If you have any concerns during the healing process or notice anything unusual, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

NORMAL HEALING vs. WHEN TO REACH OUT

SIGNS OF NORMAL HEALING

These are all a normal part of the tattoo healing process:

  • Redness and slight swelling in the first few days.

  • Tenderness or soreness around the tattoo.

  • Itching as the skin begins to heal.

  • Light scabbing or flaking.

  • Dry or tight-feeling skin.

  • Dullness or cloudiness during healing (colour will return once healed)

WHEN TO REACH OUT

Please contact me if you notice any of the following:

  • Redness or swelling that continues to worsen after the first few days.

  • Excessive pain that doesn’t improve.

  • Thick scabs, cracking skin, or areas that look overly saturated.

  • Unusual discharge, strong odor, or excessive oozing.

  • Signs of irritation caused by products or bandage reactions.

  • Any concerns that feel outside of normal healing.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to ask. I’m happy to take a look and guide you through the healing process.

HEALING DISCLAIMER

Every body heals differently. Healing times and reactions can vary based on skin type, placement, lifestyle, and how closely aftercare instructions are followed. If something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure about how your tattoo is healing, It’s always best to reach out.