Aftercare

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

• The healing process can take up to 6 weeks (or longer for some individuals). Follow these instructions throughout the healing period and be patient with your skin.
• Avoid direct sunlight on your new tattoo. Do not apply sunscreen while healing.
• Avoid soaking your tattoo in water—no baths (showers are fine), no swimming, no surfing, no diving, no sauna, etc.
• Limit strenuous exercise during the first week to prevent excessive sweating and irritation.
• If you have pets, keep them away from your tattoo, especially their fur and saliva.
• Always handle your tattoo with clean hands. Do not scrub it with towels or sponges.

Soap Options:

• Dr. Bronner’s (unscented)
• Dial (anti-bacterial)
• Softsoap (anti-bacterial)
• No perfumed or exfoliating body washes.

Lotion Options (Non-Scented Only):

• Cetaphil
• Curel
• Lubriderm
• Aveeno
• Apply a thin layer after washing and drying your tattoo.

Ointment Options:

• Aquaphor
• Vitamin A & D
• Apply a thin layer for the first two days, then switch to non-scented lotion for the remainder of healing. Using ointment for too long may clog pores and cause bumps.
• Do Not Use: Vaseline, Neosporin, aloe vera, or oil-based lotions. 

• In the first 24 hours, you may notice plasma buildup under the bandage—this is normal.
• If the bandage leaks or starts to come off, remove it, wash your tattoo with anti-bacterial soap and warm water, pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel, and reapply a new bandage.
• Do not apply ointment or lotion before rebandaging.
• You can leave the second bandage on for 3 to 4 days, or as long as it feels comfortable.
• Once removed, wash your tattoo and start using lotion as needed.
• Some redness around the adhesive is normal. If you experience excessive swelling, pain, or oozing, discontinue use and remove the bandage immediately.
• Continue washing and moisturizing twice a day (morning and evening) until fully healed.
• Do not pick at scabs or scratch your tattoo. If itchy, lightly slap it with clean hands.

• Leave the bandage on for 3 to 12 hours.
• After removal, wash with warm water and anti-bacterial soap, ensuring all plasma, blood, and ink are cleaned off.
• Pat dry gently with a paper towel and let air dry for a few minutes.
• Apply a thin layer of ointment or unscented lotion. Do not apply thick layers.
• If using ointment, switch to non-scented lotion after two days.
• On the first night, you may loosely wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (Saran Wrap) to prevent sticking to bedding. Do not continue wrapping in the following nights.
• Continue washing and moisturizing twice a day until fully healed (2–6 weeks).

• Do not pick at scabs or scratch your tattoo. If it itches, lightly slap it with clean hands.
• Healing time varies; if your tattoo still has scabs or peeling skin, it is not fully healed and should still be washed and moisturized.
• If you have any concerns or questions, text or email me!
• If your tattoo needs a touch-up, contact me after the 6-week healing period.

If an infection or adverse reaction occurs at your procedure site, contact your personal physician for treatment and report it to the Southern Nevada Health District special programs at:
📞 (702) 759-0677
📧 bodyart@snhd.org

Additional Info: Ink Nurse Blog