The Inksmith's Aftercare Guide

Written By Mary Buell

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring your tattoo heals beautifully and maintains its vibrancy for years to come. Please follow these instructions carefully.

THE HEALING PROCESS

Your tattoo will go through several stages of healing, including initial redness, potential oozing (Plasma & Ink), peeling, and itching. These are normal parts of the process. Healing times vary depending on the individual, the size and location of the tattoo, and the complexity of the design.  

IMMEDIATE AFTERCARE

First Few Hours

  • Remove Bandage: Carefully remove the bandage or protective covering after 3-4 hours. Do not re-bandage or re-cover your tattoo. If using a second skin, keep on for 3-5 days. Remove the second skin by day 5. Recommend removing under warm water and pulling parallel to skin.

  • Gentle Cleansing: Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free, ANTIBACTERIAL liquid soap. Here are few of our recommendations:

    • Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap

    • Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

    • Cetaphil Antibacterial Gentle Cleaner

    • Hibiclens

  • Air Drying: Allow the tattoo to air dry completely. Do not rub or use a towel.

  • Minimal Moisturizing: Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free, petroleum free, and  hypoallergenic moisturizer or tattoo aftercare product. The tattoo should not appear shiny after application, and you should be able to lightly touch it without any ointment transferring to your finger. Here are my recommendations:

    • Hustle Butter

    • Lubriderm Daily

    • Coconut oil

    • Shea butter

ONGOING AFTERCARE

First Few Weeks

  • Washing: Wash the tattoo 5-10 times daily with antibacterial liquid and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh scrubbing.

  • Moisturizing: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer or tattoo aftercare product several times a day, especially after washing. Do not over-moisturize.

  • Avoid:

    • Direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks.

    • Swimming, baths, hot tubs, and saunas until fully healed.

    • Picking or scratching the peeling skin.

    • Tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo.

    • Excessive sweating for a few days.

    • DO NOT let your animals lick your new tattoo…please.

  • Clothing: Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo.

  • Duration: Continue this routine until the tattoo is fully healed - See “The Healing Process” above.

LONG-TERM AFTERCARE

Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the healed tattoo when exposed to sunlight.
Moisturizing: Continue moisturizing the tattoo to keep the skin hydrated and the colors vibrant.

SIGNS OF INFECTION

Contact a medical professional immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Excessive redness or swelling.

  • The tattoo feels hot to the touch.

  • Increased pain or tenderness.

  • Yellow or green discharge (pus).

  • Fever or general feeling of illness.

  • Red streaks radiating from the tattoo.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at

Mary Buell https://www.nwartsrecreation.com