Aftercare for your new tattoo
All of our recommendations are based on our experience, training, and research. Also see our Tattoo FAQ.
What should I expect?
- You may have a small amount of bleeding at first.
- You may have a little bit of a clear discharge, swelling, and it will be tender. Some people bruise around the tattoo.
- It will form a thin scab, do not pick at it!!
A tattoo normally takes about 6 - 8 weeks to fully heal all the way to the dermis.
What else can I do to help it heal?
- Wash your tattoo once a day or after heavy activity and apply the ointment or lotion when your tattoo starts to hurt, feel itchy, dry, or tight for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Do not scratch or rub the tattoo. Do not remove any of the scabbing. Allow the scabbing to come off on its own (this will usually happen within the first week or two).
- Do not submerge your tattoo in water (i.e. bathe) for the first week, and do not enter swimming pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, oceans or lakes for 2 weeks: this can take the colour out and can cause infection.
- Avoid direct sunlight and using tanning beds. If in this is unavoidable, cover with a towel for the first two weeks. After the first two weeks, a sunscreen can be applied. Sun is the number one cause of fading tattoos, just like a picture exposed to sunlight; the colours will fade, so you should always apply sunscreen any time you will be in contact with sunlight or tanning beds.
- Do not touch your tattoo, or let anyone touch your tattoo with unwashed hands.
- You should refrain from consuming alcohol for 24 hours before and after your tattoo. Alcohol thins your blood causing the ink to push out and your tattoo will lose its' colour.
- If you believe you are having problems with your tattoo, always seek advice from the artist who did your tattoo. Never go to another studio or take the advice of another artist, as we cannot be held responsible for the problems caused if another artists' advice is taken.
If you suspect you have an infection, come see one of the tattoo artists at the shop. Do not do anything, or use any product that has not been recommended by your artist without asking about it! If you begin to develop small red bumps, come see your tattoo artist immediately.
What shouldn't I use?
Do NOT use the following products:
- Vaseline
- Polysporin
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Alcohol
- Preparation H
- Bactine
- Bar soap
- Saline or Sea Salt
- Anything that was not manufactured to promote the healing of a tattoo.
- Do not cover after the initial bandage has come off; do not cover with saran wrap.
- Touch-ups can be done after 4 - 6 weeks of healing. There is a $30.00 fee for touch-ups.
- Never let the area dry out. Apply your chosen aftercare product whenever the tattoo is feeling tight or itchy. Letting your tattoo dry out will slow down the healing process. However over- moisturizing your tattoo will also impede healing, delaying the healing time and can cause red bumps. It is best to only moisturize when the tattoo is felling dry and use a very, very small amount of moisturizer.
- Tattoos heal best when you are well hydrated, so drink lots of water. Please consult the Canada Food Guide for the recommended of daily water intake.
- Leave the bandage on overnight. In the morning, take off the bandage, then clean your tattoo.
- The first two weeks is the most critical time in the healing process. Great care must be taken to ensure proper healing and to receive the best result of your tattoo.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before touching your tattoo. (Do Not use a bar soaps; they hold bacteria). Using a skin cleanser, create a lather, clean the tattoo in a circular motion. Clean off all the soap but do not allow direct pressure from the shower or tap. Pat your tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Allow your tattoo to air dry for 12 to 24 hours.
- When your tattoo begins to feel dry and tight apply a thin layer of H2Ocean Lotion or the recommended lotion.
- Continue cleaning your tattoo once a day and apply a very thin layer of lotion 2 to 5 times a day; when your tattoo feels dry and tight.
- Avoid wearing shoes, socks, or nylons for the initial 2 weeks of getting your tattoo. Sandals are the best choice of footwear for tattoos on feet, however still take caution that no part of the sandal rubs on the tattoo, as it will cause colour loss
- Feet do not heal as well as other parts of your body. Usually touch-ups are required.
