Congratulations on Your New Tattoo
Your new tattoo is a custom piece of art made just for you. Proper aftercare is one of the most important parts of the process because it helps your tattoo heal well and keeps the details, shading, and colour looking their best.
Your artist has already followed high standards for hygiene and safety. Now it’s your turn to protect the tattoo while it heals.
Your tattoo may be covered with a second skin bandage, sometimes called Saniderm or Derm Shield. This helps protect the area from dirt, bacteria, and friction while the first stage of healing begins.
- Keep it on for 24–48 hours unless your artist says otherwise.
- Some trapped ink or plasma under the bandage is normal.
- Once removed, the tattoo should be cleaned and allowed to breathe.
- Lift one corner of the bandage carefully.
- If it feels stuck, run warm water over it.
- Peel it back slowly and close to the skin.
- Throw it away and get ready for your first wash.
Wash the tattoo gently using lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Use clean hands only.
- Rinse gently.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Let it air dry for 10–15 minutes.
- Apply a very thin layer of unscented aftercare lotion if recommended.
Keep It Clean
Wash it twice a day using mild soap and warm water.
Moisturize Lightly
Use a thin layer of fragrance-free aftercare lotion. Soft skin is the goal, not greasy skin.
Let It Breathe
Wear loose, breathable clothing so the tattoo is not constantly rubbed.
Stay Hydrated
Healthy skin heals better, so drink plenty of water.
- Do not scratch, pick, or peel flaking skin.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, and soaking for 2–3 weeks.
- Avoid intense workouts or heavy sweating for the first few days.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight while healing.
- Avoid harsh skincare, perfumes, or alcohol-based products on the tattoo.
- Days 1–3: Tenderness, redness, and some plasma are normal.
- Days 4–7: Peeling and flaking may begin.
- Days 7–14: Itching is common, but do not scratch.
- Days 14+: The tattoo may look slightly cloudy while the new skin settles, this is completely normal and the appearance of your tattoo will enhance over time.
- Strong redness or swelling that continues or worsens after the first few days
- Yellow or green discharge
- Foul-smelling odour from the tattoo
- Rash, bumps, or severe irritation
- Fever, chills, or pain spreading beyond the tattoo area
Reach out to your artist or a healthcare professional if you notice anything that seems unusual or severe such as.
- Moisturize regularly with fragrance-free lotion.
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen on healed tattoos to help prevent fading.
- Touch-ups may be helpful over time depending on placement and wear.
