Aftercare Instructions

Congratulations on your new tattoo!

Good aftercare is what makes the difference between a healed, vibrant piece and one with unnecessary fading, scarring, or irritation. Below are two full aftercare paths depending on whether your tattoo is bandaged with a Second Skin‑type film or is wrapped with plastic wrap.

If something doesn’t feel right during your healing, reach out to us.

Option 1: Healing with Second Skin (Medical Adhesive Film)

Some artists apply a waterproof adhesive film to your tattoo before you leave. This is often branded as SecondSkin™, Saniderm, Tegaderm, or similar. Some artists will only apply this if you’ve used it before.

Day 0 (Day of the tattoo):
Leave the film on for at least 24 hours, ideally 3-5 days. It will trap some fluid—this is normal. Don’t worry if it looks like an “ink puddle” under the film. Try not to let the edges lift. If they do, you can gently trim them or replace the film if needed.

Day 1:
You can shower with the film on (keep it short, avoid hot water). Wear loose clothing to prevent rubbing. If irritation or fluid build-up becomes too much, it’s okay to remove the film early.

Days 2–5:
Keep the film on up to 3–5 days total (or as advised). If it starts lifting, irritating your skin, or leaking, remove it gently—ideally in a warm shower to loosen the adhesive. Pull the film back over itself, not straight up. Wash your tattoo gently with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with clean towel. Start applying a very thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo-specific ointment.

Days 5–7:
Tattoo may start flaking or peeling like a sunburn. Keep washing gently 1–2 times a day and moisturizing as needed (usually 2–4 times daily). Itchiness is common—DO NOT SCRATCH.

Week 2:
Most flaking will slow down. Tattoo may still look a little cloudy or dull as the final skin layer finishes healing. Keep moisturizing and avoid sun, soaking in water, or friction.

Weeks 3–4:
Tattoo should feel mostly normal. Skin texture will return to normal, and color will settle in. Keep wearing sunscreen if the tattoo is exposed to sun.

Option 2: Healing with Traditional Plastic Wrap

This method is used when Second Skin isn’t applied—common for people with adhesive allergies or depending on tattoo placement.

Day 0 (Day of the tattoo):
Leave the initial plastic wrap on until you get home from your appointment. When ready, wash hands, gently remove wrap, and clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of approved ointment or lotion. You do not need to re-wrap your tattoo!

Days 1–3:
Wash 2–3 times per day, moisturize 2–4 times per day. Keep tattoo uncovered when possible, but avoid friction or dirty environments. Wear loose clothes and avoid sweating, swimming, or direct sunlight.

Days 4–7:
Peeling and flaking increase. Do not pick or scratch. Continue moisturizing. Tattoo may look dull during this phase—this is normal.

Week 2:
Peeling slows or ends. Tattoo may still be dry or patchy in places. Continue washing gently and moisturizing. Avoid sun and harsh skin products.

Weeks 3–4:
Skin should feel mostly healed, and tattoo will appear brighter. Moisturize regularly and begin applying SPF if tattoo is in the sun.

What NOT to Use

Aquaphor, Vaseline, petroleum jelly, Neosporin, or antibiotic ointments

These products trap too much moisture, which can delay healing or cause irritation.
They can suffocate your skin, increasing risk of pimples, scabbing, or ink loss.
Antibiotic ointments (like Neosporin) can cause allergic reactions, especially on sensitive skin or open wounds.

Stick to simple, clean, breathable products. When in doubt, ask your artist!

Common Things to Expect

Fluid / plasma build‑up: Especially under Second Skin or film. Might look “blistery” or like goo.
Peeling / flaking: Happens usually around day 3‑7; like sunburn peeling. Do not pick.
Itching: Should happen; resist scratching. Light moisturizers help.
Color changes: The tattoo may look dull, cloudy, or lighter under skin flakes; it will brighten when skin heals.
Shininess / dryness: After film removal (or after peeling), skin might look shiny; afterwards you may have drier patches.
Tenderness / sensitivity: For the first few days and near healing edges. Be gentle!

Tips for Removal of Second Skin

Remove during a warm shower if possible—the warm water helps loosen adhesive. Pull film back over itself, not straight up. Keep skin taut.
If it hurts a lot, stop, soak, loosen. It’s better to go slow than rip and damage fresh skin. Some even people say removing the Second Skin is worse (more painful) than the tattoo itself!

Things to Avoid

Soaking the skin (baths, swimming, hot tubs) until fully healed.
Tight or restrictive clothing rubbing the tattoo.
Heavy sweating / exercise that causes friction or adhesive lifting.
Exposing the tattoo to direct sun before healed (and after healing without sunscreen).
Harsh soaps, perfumed products, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments not recommended by your artist.
Picking, scratching scabs/flakes.

Long‑Term Care

Even when skin looks healed (usually 2‑4 weeks), deeper skin layers are still regenerating. Full timeline for full skin health may be 1‑3 months.
Once healed, always moisturize to keep skin supple. Dry skin fades tattoos faster.
Sunscreen (SPF 30/50) is essential when the tattoo is exposed to sun!
Keep skin healthy overall: hydration, diet, etc.

Touch‑Ups

Sometimes after healing you will notice spots that healed lighter or less saturated—this is normal. Artists often anticipate some loss and build that into their work, but touch‑ups are a normal part of getting a tattoo.
If needed, reach out to us: we’ll evaluate the healed piece and schedule a touch‑up session (often free or discounted depending on your artist’s policy).
Good timing for a touch‑up is after the full healing period (at least 4‑6 weeks, sometimes more depending on size & location) when skin has settled.
Following all aftercare steps for touch‑ups is just as important!