Tattoo Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for helping your new tattoo heal well and preserve its appearance.Please follow these guidelines carefully and reach out if you have any concerns during the healing process.
Second Skin / Protective Film
Leave your second-skin bandage on for at least 24 hours, or as instructed during your appointment. It may remain on for up to 3 days if it is comfortable, intact, and your artist has advised this.
If the bandage leaks, becomes damaged, or causes significant irritation, remove it rather than leaving compromised film in place.
To remove the bandage, gently peel it back under warm running water or in the shower. Avoid pulling it off forcefully.
Once removed, gently wash your tattoo with clean hands, lukewarm water, and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Fluid, Ink and Peeling
It is normal for some ink, plasma, and fluid to collect beneath the protective film during the first few days. Once the bandage is removed, your tattoo may appear dry, flaky, or slightly yellowish as it heals.
Do not pick, scratch, peel, or pull at any scabs or flakes. Allow your skin to heal naturally.
Keep Your Tattoo Clean and Moisturized
Wash your tattoo gently with clean hands and mild, fragrance-free soap.
Apply a thin layer of a suitable tattoo aftercare moisturizer or fragrance-free lotion as needed.
Avoid over-moisturizing; your skin should not remain thickly coated or overly wet.
Continue gentle washing and moisturizing throughout the healing process, generally for the next 2–4 weeks or until the skin has healed.
Recommended Moisturizer
Glaxal Base Moisturizing Cream or another suitable fragrance-free moisturizer may be used if tolerated by your skin.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning
Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds for at least 4 weeks. Once the tattoo has fully healed, protect it with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to help prevent fading.
Avoid Swimming and Soaking
Do not submerge your tattoo in swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or baths until it has fully healed, generally at least 2 weeks. Showering is fine.
Limit Sweating and Friction
Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sweating for at least the first week, Avoid tight clothing, rough fabrics, and repeated friction against the tattoo.
What to Expect During Healing
Mild tenderness, redness, itching, flaking, and peeling can occur during normal healing. Avoid scratching or rubbing the area. You can use products like bactine first aid spray to help with this, along with recommended lotion.
Fine line tattoos in particular will look like they are all falling out at this point in healing, but DONT FREAK OUT! this is totally normal and give your tattoo time to settle into the skin!
However, worsening redness, increasing pain, spreading warmth, significant swelling, pus, or fever may indicate an infection and should be assessed by a healthcare professional promptly.
Touch-Up Policy
I offer one complimentary touch-up within one year of your original appointment with the nature of fine line tattoos, Touch-ups are not always necessary but can be expected for this style. If you are unsure if your tattoo needs one, send me a picture!
Fingers, hands, feet and behind the ear are excluded from the complimentary touch-up policy due to their unique healing and retention challenges. But I do offer it at a minimum price!
Please allow at least 6–8 weeks for your tattoo to heal before arranging a touch-up assessment.
Thank you for trusting me with your tattoo! Following these aftercare instructions will help support the healing process and give your tattoo the best opportunity to heal beautifully