AFTERCARE

LISTEN TO THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY YOUR ARTISTS. DIFFERENT STYLES OF TATTOOING MAY REQUIRE DIFFERENT ATTENTION DURING THE HEALING PHASE.

AFTER CARE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE STUDIO.

AT A GLANCE

BANDAGE

Typically leave on for 3-5 days

HEALING time

Most tattoos heal in 2-3 weeks

Wash 1-2x daily with liquid cleanser, followed by a small amount of moisturizer

CLEANING

Direct sun, submerging in water, heavy sweating, picking & scratching

AVOID

Excessive redness, increased swelling, heat, pus or unusual discharge.

seek medical attention if symptoms worsen

Watch for

THE BANDAGE.

Most tattoos are covered with an adhesive bandage that can be left on for 3–5 days. If you notice any redness or irritation around the edges of the bandage, remove it right away and the redness should subside.

For clients with adhesive sensitivities or allergies, we offer a non-adhesive alternative called Ink Beetle. Ink Beetle is designed to remain on the tattoo for approximately 2–24 hours and can either peel away naturally or be washed off in the shower.

Ideally, your tattoo should remain covered with either the adhesive bandage or Ink Beetle for at least the first 24 hours following your appointment.

REMOVING THE BANDAGE.

To minimize irritation, gently lift a corner of the bandage and slowly pull it back along the skin, allowing it to stretch away from the tattoo. Think of it similarly to removing a 3M Command™ strip.

Removing the bandage in a warm shower can make the process easier.

A video demonstrating proper bandage removal can be found here.

WASHING & Moisturizing.

Once the bandage has been removed, wash and moisturize the tattoo regularly to support healing and keep your artwork looking its best.

  • Wash the tattoo with clean hands using an antibacterial liquid soap 1–2 times daily

  • Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel

  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer after washing or whenever the tattoo feels dry

As your tattoo heals, some dryness, flaking, and itchiness are completely normal.

AVOID.

  • Prolonged sun exposure

  • Submerging the tattoo in water: swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas (showering is fine)

  • Picking, scratching, or peeling the tattoo

  • Contact with pets, pet hair, and other contaminants

WATCH FOR.

While some redness and tenderness are normal, consult a healthcare professional if you notice:

  • Increasing redness that spreads outward

  • Significant swelling

  • Excessive heat coming from the tattoo

  • Pus or unusual discharge

  • Discolouration that worsens over time

If symptoms are concerning, seek medical attention promptly.

ONGOING CARE.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, the best thing you can do for the longevity of your artwork is sunscreen. Protecting your tattoo from UV rays will help prevent excessive fading over the years. Some ink migration and fading is normal and expected as a tattoo settles into the skin.

TOUCH UPS.

One complimentary touch-up is included with your tattoo (excluding hands and feet), provided proper aftercare has been followed.

If you’re unsure whether your tattoo would benefit from a touch-up, simply send your artist a photo.

Touch-ups should generally be scheduled 2–3 months after healing and must be claimed within 6 months of your appointment date.

View our full touch-up policy here

FULL GUIDE