Step 1: Immediately After the Tattoo

  • Leave the bandage on: Your artist will cover the tattoo with a wrap. Leave this on for 3 days. This wrap is waterproof so feel free to shower with it on! If your wrap starts to come off, please come on back in and your artist will get you rewrapped.

  • Avoid touching: Keep your hands off the wrap and tattoo area until its time to clean.

Step 2: First Wash (Removing the Bandage)

  • After 3 days, you can remove the wrap. We recommend getting in the shower and letting it steam up for a few minutes. When you’re ready, put the wrapped tattoo under water stream from the shower head. Starting at the top corner, start to peel back the wrap carefully. This may take a few minutes and should not be done quickly to avoid irritation.

  • Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance free soap (we recommend Dr. Bronners Unscented Baby Soap).

  • Do not scrub- gently pat and clean the area with your fingers.

  • Let the tattoo air dry.

Step 3: Apply Aftercare

  • Once fully dry, apply a very thin layer of a tattoo aftercare product (we recommend Hustle Butter)

  • Don’t overapply- you want the tattoo slightly moisturized, not smothered.

Step 4: Daily Care (Days 2-14)

  • Wash gently twice daily (morning and night)

  • Apply a light layer of aftercare after each wash.

What to Expect:

  • Peeling & flaking: Around days 3-7, your tattoo may peel like a sunburn. This is normal. Do not pick or scratch.

  • Itching: Use clean hands to gently tap the area or apply aftercare to relieve itching.

Step 5: Long Term Healing (Weeks 2-6)

  • Your tattoo may look dull or slightly clouded as deeper layers of skin heal.

  • Continue moisturizing at least once a day.

  • Avoid direct sunlight, excessive sweating, and tight clothing over the tattoo.

  • Don’t soak the area (no baths, pools or hot tubs) until the tattoo is fully healed- usually 4-6 weeks.

What to Avoid During Healing

  • No scratching, picking, or peeling the scabs or flakes.

  • No swimming or hot tubs until fully healed.

  • No tight clothing that might rub or trap moisture.

  • No heavy exercise that stresses the tattooed area, especially early on.

  • No scented lotions, alcohol based products or products containing petroleum jelly.

Signs of Proper Healing

  • Skin flakes and scabs fall off naturally.

  • Itching decreases after the first week or so.

  • Color remains vibrant and skin becomes smooth again

Signs of Trouble- When to Contact a Professional

  • Persistent redness, swelling, or oozing after 3 days.

  • Bad odor or yellow/green pus

  • Fever, chills, or flu like symptoms

  • Red streaks radiating from tattoo.

These could indicate infection and you should seek medical attention.