Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you read the correct aftercare to what your artist has requested and suggested for your tattoo!
Normal Aftercare:

Second Skin:

Most Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
Typically, for a normal aftercare tattoo, a tattoo takes 2-3 weeks to heal, but it can take up to 6 weeks for the skin to fully regenerate and hair to grow back.
First 3-4 days of a tattoo is open/fresh skin. At this point you should be washing with warm water and unscented soap, drying the tattoo with a clean towel and then applying a very LIGHT layer of ointment. (A&D, Aquaphor or Hussle-Butter. NOT VASELINE OR NEOSPORIN!!!!!) Do this 3-4 times a day for 3-4 days. If the ointment is greasy or shiny on your skin, you put TOO MUCH. This should be super light as if nothing is even on there. If the tattoo looks greasy, you are suffocating the skin and not letting it breathe. This can lead to a tattoo that won't heal correctly or pimples on/around your tattoo from lack of air.
5 to 14 day mark of tattoo is peeling. On the 5th day once it starts peeling, switch over to unscented lotion instead of ointment. DO NOT PICK, SCRATCH OR PEEL YOUR TATTOO. I know its tempting... DON'T DO IT. It will pull pigment out of your tattoo and you will have to get it touched up. Once the peeling phase is finished, you have a fully healed tattoo. No bodies of water or direct sunlight for 2 weeks. Showers are okay! Please take a shower.... :)
What is the best way to keep my tattoo clean?
Wash your tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water 3-4 times a day. Pat dry with a clean towel.
DO NOT get dust, dirt or unsanitary materials on or around your tattoo. Do not wrap your tattoo in any plastic. To protect from sun or dirt, you can encase the tattoo with a clean arm sock or fabric material. Make sure that it does not stick to the tattoo.
Can I submerge my tattoo in water?
No!!! Avoid submerging your tattoo in water (e.g., taking a bath, swimming, or using a hot tub) until it's fully healed. 2 weeks!! Submerging in water can lead to infection. Showers are okay! Even if you have a Second-Skin bandage on, do not submerge underwater, the bandage is water resistant, NOT WATERPROOF.
I have pimples on/around my tattoo, why?
You have clogged pores!! Tattoo Ointments, and other products can clog pores, causing pimples or small bumps. You are putting on WAY too much ointment. If you get pimples on, around or near the tattoo, your skin isn't able to breathe and pimples will form from irritation.
To minimize the risk of pimples around your tattoo:
- Follow proper aftercare instructions
- Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized
- Avoid touching or picking at the tattoo
- Put on a light amount of ointment, it should NOT be greasy or shiny.
- Avoid tight clothing that can irritate the tattoo
How often should I apply ointment to my tattoo?
Apply a thin layer of ointment 3-4 times a day, or as needed, to keep the tattoo moisturized. This should be after you clean the tattoo with unscented soap and warm water. Make sure you dry it off before applying ointment.
DO NOT TOP OFF YOUR TATTOO WITH MORE OINTMENT!! Wash it thoroughly every time before applying more ointment.
What type of ointment is best for my tattoo?
Use a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic ointment specifically designed for tattoo aftercare.
Trusted ointments: A&D, Aquaphor and Hussle Butter.
DO NOT USE: Neosporin, Coconut Oil, Vaseline, Tea Tree Oil, Fragranced Ointments, Hydrogen Peroxide or Betadine.
Can I pick or scratch at my tattoo?
No, avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo, as this can lead to infection, scarring, or ink loss. DO NOT RELY ON A TOUCH UP.
How long should I wait before exposing my tattoo to direct sunlight?
Wait at least 2-3 weeks before exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30!!
Can I exercise with a new tattoo?
Avoid strenuous exercise, especially activities that cause excessive sweating, until your tattoo is fully healed. Sweating with a new tattoo can lead to bacteria, infection, irritation and scarring. Do not exercise with a tattoo no matter if you heal it normally or with second skin. Second skin has MORE of a risk to infection if you work out or exercise with it on.
What are the signs of infection, and what should I do if I suspect infection?
Signs of infection include redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge days after the tattoo. If you suspect infection, contact your tattoo artist to get confirmation of how to heal it or to see if you do need to go to the doctors.
How long does it take for my tattoo to fully mature?
It can take up to 6 months for your tattoo to fully mature and settle into its final appearance. So continue to take care of it! This does NOT mean to apply ointment or unscented lotion to it like the 2 weeks of healing, instead do this:
After the 2 weeks of healing you can continues to take care of your skin by these steps:
1. Cleanse: Wash your skin once a day with a gentle cleanser, making sure to remove all dirt and impurities.
2. Tone: Use a toner to balance your skin's pH and tighten pores.
3. Exfoliate: Exfoliate 1-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. I LOVE SUGAR SCRUBS!!!!
4. Essence/Serum: Apply an essence or serum to deliver active ingredients and address specific skin concerns.
5. Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect your skin from environmental stressors.
6. Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days.
These steps help keep your tattoos look BRAND NEW! Even if they were done years ago!!
What if someone slaps my tattoo?
When someone slaps or taps a tattoo, especially a new one, it can cause damage to the skin and the tattoo ink. It can mess up your tattoo permanently, so do not allow it to happen. Here are some potential effects:
1. Ink displacement: Slapping or tapping can displace the ink particles, causing them to spread unevenly or become misshapen.
2. Skin irritation: Physical trauma to the skin can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation, leading to delayed healing.
3. Ink loss: Repeatedly slapping or tapping a tattoo can push the ink out of the skin, leading to ink loss and fading.
4. Scarring: Severe trauma to the skin can cause scarring, which can affect the appearance of the tattoo.
5. Infection: If the skin is reopened, broken or damaged, bacteria can enter the wound, leading to infection.
6. Delayed healing: Physical trauma can delay the healing process, causing the tattoo to take longer to recover.
7. Blurred lines: Slapping or tapping can cause the ink lines to become blurred or distorted. Causing a hue of blue or purple PERMANATELY on your tattoo.
It's essential to handle your tattoo with care, especially during the healing process. Avoid slapping, tapping, or subjecting your tattoo to excessive friction or trauma.