What should I do first?
Follow the written aftercare instructions provided by your artist. Bandage types require different care, so confirm which dressing you have and when to remove it. If a healthcare professional gives you instructions for a complication, follow their treatment advice.
How long should I leave the bandage on?
Use the timing your artist gives you for that specific dressing. A traditional bandage and an adhesive film, sometimes called second skin, are not interchangeable. Don’t use someone else’s removal schedule.
Is fluid under an adhesive film normal?
Some ink-colored fluid can collect underneath. If the film leaks, exposes the tattoo, or causes significant itching, burning, or a rash, contact your artist promptly for removal and care instructions. Don’t puncture the film or try to seal a leaking dressing with household tape.
How do I wash my tattoo once the dressing is removed?
Wash your hands first. Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, using your fingertips. Rinse gently and pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel. Don’t scrub or use a washcloth. Clean it about twice daily and after it becomes dirty, following your artist’s instructions.
Should I use lotion or ointment?
Use a thin layer of the fragrance-free moisturizer or aftercare product recommended by your artist. Avoid thick buildup. Don’t apply products under an adhesive dressing unless its instructions specifically call for it.
What products should I avoid?
Avoid rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, fragranced products, exfoliants, and harsh cleansers on the healing area. Don’t use antibiotic or steroid creams unless a healthcare professional recommends them.
What is normal during healing?
Some initial tenderness, mild redness, swelling, and small amounts of clear or ink-colored fluid can occur. Itching, flaking, and light scabbing may follow. Symptoms should gradually improve rather than become more severe.
Can I scratch it or remove peeling skin?
No. Let flakes and scabs come away naturally. Picking, scratching, or shaving over healing skin can damage it and affect the finished tattoo.
How long does healing take?
Healing varies by person, tattoo size, and placement. Surface healing takes several weeks, and deeper skin takes longer. A tattoo that looks healed may still be healing underneath.