TATTOO CARE
After Care
Getting a tattoo is an exciting journey, but proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your new ink heals well and maintains it’s sharp lines and color.
Following the below steps to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and stays vibrant for years to come. Always consult your tattoo artist for specific advice tailored to your tattoo and skin type.
It will typically take 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact us. Please do not consult your friends about healing issues, as everyone’s experience is unique. Our artists are more than happy to help with any concerns you might have.
The First 24-48 Hours
Day 1: Leave the Bandage On
Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Leave it on for the time recommended by your artist (usually 4-6 hours). We recommend that you leave it on overnight to avoid sticking to bed linens.
Day 2: Wash Your Tattoo
- Carefully remove bandage and tape
- Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water
- Gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed.
(THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN CLEANING YOUR TATTOO)
- Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, firmly but gently
- Use a clean paper towel to dab the tattoo dry
- When the tattoo is clean, smooth and dry apply a very small amount of Tattoo Lover’s Care Salve and gently rub in ointment to tattoo.
- Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days – plasma and ink, seep from the tattoo. Gently wash off this layer, continuing to use salve and lotion.
Days 2-7:
The Peeling Stage
Keep it Clean and Moisturized
- Continue to apply your Tattoo Lover’s Care Salve 3 times a day for 5-days.
→ Rule of thumb: if you can see the ointment on the skin, you have too much on your tattoo. - In-between ointment applications, keep a small amount of fragrance-free hand lotion like Tattoo Lovers Care Lotion, or Lubriderm unscented applied and thoroughly rubbed in.
- Wash your tattoo twice a day with mild soap and warm water. Always pat dry and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer.
- After 4-5 days the tattoo will begin to form flaky skin that will fall off on its own. Hand lotion will help this layer to fall off.
→→ → DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO←←←
- Make sure to continue using hand lotion until the tattoo is done peeling.
- Eventually the flaky skin will fall off and the vibrant color will return.
- If the tattoo itches, small amounts of hand lotion as well as gentle slaps will help relieve itching.
But Not TOO Moisturized
- Avoid soaking your tattoo for the first 10-days: Do not submerge your tattoo in water (e.g., baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs – salt water and quick showers are ok) during the healing process.
Weeks 2-4: Healing
- Continue moisturizing: Apply a fragrance-free lotion to your tattoo daily to prevent dryness.
- Protect from the sun: Your tattoo is especially sensitive to UV rays during healing. Avoid direct sunlight and use a high-SPF sunscreen once the tattoo is fully healed.
- Wear loose clothing: Tight or abrasive clothing can irritate your tattoo. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics.
Tattoo Lovers Care
Available in-Store
Tattoo Lovers Care Products are available instore to aid in the proper healing of your tattoo. Their pharmacist formulated, all-natural, vegan, hemp-unfused products are designed to tackle each stage in the tattoo “ForeverCare” healing process.
Tattoo Lover’s Care cleansing soap, cream and salve are available for the formative healing process, and sunscreen is available to keep your lines sharp and colors bright forever.
The First 24-48 Hours
Day 1: Leave the Bandage On
Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Leave it on for the time recommended by your artist (usually 4-6 hours). We recommend that you leave it on overnight to avoid sticking to bed linens.
Day 2: Wash Your Tattoo
- Carefully remove bandage and tape
- Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water
- Gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed.
(THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN CLEANING YOUR TATTOO)
- Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, firmly but gently
- Use a clean paper towel to dab the tattoo dry
- When the tattoo is clean, smooth and dry apply a very small amount of Tattoo Lover’s Care Salve and gently rub in ointment to tattoo.
- Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days – plasma and ink, seep from the tattoo. Gently wash off this layer, continuing to use salve and lotion.
Days 2-7:
The Peeling Stage
Keep it Clean and Moisturized
- Continue to apply your Tattoo Lover’s Care Salve 3 times a day for 5-days.
→ Rule of thumb: if you can see the ointment on the skin, you have too much on your tattoo. - In-between ointment applications, keep a small amount of fragrance-free hand lotion like Tattoo Lovers Care Lotion, or Lubriderm unscented applied and thoroughly rubbed in.
- Wash your tattoo twice a day with mild soap and warm water. Always pat dry and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer.
- After 4-5 days the tattoo will begin to form flaky skin that will fall off on its own. Hand lotion will help this layer to fall off.
→→ → DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO←←←
- Make sure to continue using hand lotion until the tattoo is done peeling.
- Eventually the flaky skin will fall off and the vibrant color will return.
- If the tattoo itches, small amounts of hand lotion as well as gentle slaps will help relieve itching.
But Not TOO Moisturized
- Avoid soaking your tattoo for the first 10-days: Do not submerge your tattoo in water (e.g., baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs – salt water and quick showers are ok) during the healing process.
Weeks 2-4: Healing
- Continue moisturizing: Apply a fragrance-free lotion to your tattoo daily to prevent dryness.
- Protect from the sun: Your tattoo is especially sensitive to UV rays during healing. Avoid direct sunlight and use a high-SPF sunscreen once the tattoo is fully healed.
- Wear loose clothing: Tight or abrasive clothing can irritate your tattoo. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics.
Tattoo Lovers Care
Available in-Store
Tattoo Lovers Care Products are available instore to aid in the proper healing of your tattoo. Their pharmacist formulated, all-natural, vegan, hemp-unfused products are designed to tackle each stage in the tattoo “ForeverCare” healing process.
Tattoo Lover’s Care cleansing soap, cream and salve are available for the formative healing process, and sunscreen is available to keep your lines sharp and colors bright forever.
FAQ
WHAT TO AVOID
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Scratching or picking: Even if your tattoo itches or peels, resist the urge.
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Harsh chemicals: Avoid using products with alcohol, peroxide, or strong fragrances on your tattoo.
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Excessive moisture: Prolonged exposure to moisture can hinder healing. Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or soaking.
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Sun exposure: UV rays can fade your tattoo and damage healing skin. Avoid tanning beds and excessive sun until your tattoo is fully healed.
SIGNS OF TROUBLE
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Infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the tattoo site may indicate an infection. Seek medical attention promptly.
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Allergic reaction: Rash, severe itching, or unusual bumps around the tattoo could be an allergic reaction to the ink.
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Excessive fading or scarring: If you’re concerned about how your tattoo is healing, consult your tattoo artist or a dermatologist.
LONG TERM AFTERCARE
6. Aftercare for the Long Term
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Moisturize regularly: Keep your tattoo hydrated even after it has healed to maintain vibrant colors and sharp lines.
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Use sunscreen: Protect your tattoo with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) whenever it’s exposed to the sun.
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Stay hydrated: Healthy skin heals better and retains tattoos longer, so drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet.