If you have an adhesive bandage (SecondSkin, Saniderm, etc.):

• Leave it on for 3-5 days (unless your artist instructed otherwise)
• Remove it early if your skin becomes irritated, fluid leaks outside of the bandage, or the bandage peels exposing a part of the tattoo

If you have plastic/cling wrap:

• Remove it within 1 hour, or as soon as possible

• Wash your tattoo twice daily with a gentle, fragrance-free soap
• Only use clean hands. Do not use washcloths, loofahs, or sponges
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel

• Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion after each wash.
• Reapply whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight
• Pat excess lotion off with a clean paper towel as needed
• Lotion Examples: Cocoa butter lotion, Curell, shea butter lotion, Aveeno

It's completely normal to experience:

• Peeling
• Flaking
• Itching
• Light scabbing
• Mild redness/slight discoloration
• Fluid leakage (typically clear or ink colored plasma)

For comparison, healing tattoos is somewhat similar to healing sunburns, scrapes, or rug burns.

While your tattoo is healing, you should avoid:

• Picking, scratching, or rubbing your tattoo
• Wearing tight or compressive clothing over your tattoo
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Submerging the tattoo in ANY body of water (pool, bath, ocean, etc.). Showering is fine

❗️Do NOT apply vaseline, A&D ointment, aloe vera, or essential oils to your tattoo.

On average, tattoos take roughly 30-45 days to fully heal. This can vary based on tattoo style and location though. If your tattoo is still shiny, raised off the skin, or peeling, it is not fully healed yet!

Once your tattoo is healed, keep it looking fresh by applying lotion regularly and sunscreen daily.