Aftercare.
Your tattoo is an open wound for the first few days. Treat it like one. Here's exactly what to do.
Day of
When you leave the studio, your tattoo will be wrapped in second-skin (Saniderm or similar). Leave it on. It's normal to see ink and fluid pooling under the wrap — that's healing, not bleeding.
Drink water. Eat a real meal. Sleep.
Day 1–4 (with second-skin)
Leave the wrap on for 3–5 days. If it leaks at the edges, peel it off in the shower under warm water — never dry. Wash gently with unscented soap, pat dry with a clean paper towel, and re-wrap with fresh second-skin if you have it. If you don't, follow the no-wrap version below.
Day 1–14 (without second-skin)
Wash 2× a day with unscented soap and warm water. Use your fingers, not a washcloth. Pat dry. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or aftercare balm — Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, or similar.
The tattoo will scab and peel. Do not pick. Do not scratch. Itch is a sign it's healing.
For two weeks
- No soaking — no baths, pools, lakes, hot tubs. Showers only.
- No direct sun. No tanning beds, ever. Cover with loose clothing if you'll be in the sun.
- Loose clothing in general — fabric rubbing the tattoo slows healing.
- No gym for at least 48 hours; avoid anything that drenches the tattoo in sweat for the first week.
After it's healed
- Sunscreen for life. SPF 30+ on the tattoo any time it's exposed. Sun is the #1 reason tattoos fade.
- Moisturize. Hydrated skin holds ink better.
- Touch-up within six months is on me. Just message me after your healed photo.
When to message me
Anything that looks wrong — unusual swelling, heat, lines that didn't take, anything that worries you. I'd rather hear early than late. I'm not a doctor; if something looks infected, see one.