Stage 1: Wearing the Plastic Wrap
Leave It On
Keep the plastic wrap on your tattoo for 2–4 hours after your appointment or as instructed otherwise. This protects the fresh tattoo from dirt, bacteria, and friction while you travel home.
Do not leave the plastic wrap on overnight unless I specifically instruct you to do so.
Do not replace or rewrap the tattoo with anything once the plastic wrap comes off. Even if the wrap falls off of your tattoo, immediately start aftercare as instructed as soon as possible.
Removing the Plastic Wrap
Wash your hands thoroughly with an unscented antibacterial soap, such as Dial Gold or Dr. Bronner’s, before touching your tattoo.
Carefully remove and dispose of the plastic wrap. Do not reuse or reapply it.
Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Use only your clean fingertips, not a washcloth, loofah, or sponge.
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry completely.
Once dry, apply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment or unscented white lotion as needed. The tattoo should feel lightly moisturized, not greasy or wet.
Stage 2: The First Few Days
Washing Your Tattoo
For the first week, gently wash your tattoo 2–3 times per day, and anytime it becomes dirty or sweaty.
Always wash your hands before touching it. After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a fresh paper towel and allow it to air-dry completely.
Once dry, apply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment or unscented white lotion as needed. The tattoo should feel lightly moisturized, not greasy or wet.
Applying Ointment
For the first week, apply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment or unscented white lotion as needed. The tattoo should feel lightly moisturized, not greasy or wet.
Using too much product can clog the skin and trap excess moisture or bacteria.
Do not rewrap the tattoo with plastic wrap unless I specifically instruct you to do so.
Stage 3: Daily Care
For the remainder of the healing process, approximately 2–3 weeks:
Wash your tattoo gently 1–2 times per day.
Once it is completely dry, apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free lotion as needed. At this point, int tattoo aftercare ointment is unnecessary, as it could pull away flaking skin that is not fully healed and cause ink fallout.
Recommended lotions include Lubriderm, CeraVe, or Jergens.
Never apply lotion to a wet tattoo, as excess moisture can trap bacteria against the skin.
Dryness, itching, light scabbing, and peeling are normal parts of healing.
Things to Avoid
Do not swim or soak your tattoo in pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, baths, etc. until it is fully healed, typically around 3–5 weeks. Showers are okay.
Do not scratch, peel, or pick at flaking skin or scabs. If the tattoo becomes itchy, lightly patting or tapping the area is okay.
Avoid direct sunlight while the tattoo is healing. Once fully healed, use sunscreen to help protect it from fading.
Avoid tight or dirty clothing that may rub against the tattoo.
Avoid excessive sweating, strenuous workouts, saunas, gyms, and activities that create friction against the tattoo during the early healing stage.
Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, scented products, exfoliants, or antibiotic ointments during the healing process unless directed by a medical professional.
Questions or Concerns?
If you notice excessive redness, unusual irritation, signs of infection, or anything that doesn’t seem normal, please contact me before trying any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. I’d much rather help you early than have a small issue turn into a bigger one.