AFTERCARE

If you went home with a second skin (clear adhesive) bandage…

Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days.
You may shower with it on, but do not submerge in water (no swimming, baths, hot tubs, etc.). Avoid direct sunlight. Avoid tight clothing that may cause rubbing against the bandage.
If the seal appears to be broken or is leaking, or if you notice excessive redness at the edges of the bandage, remove the bandage early.
To remove, wet the area with warm water to help release the adhesive. With clean hands, grab an edge and pull it along the skin away from itself like a command strip (not straight up or folded backwards like a sticker). The bandage will slowly release from the skin. Redness in the area after removal is normal (and sometimes will last 1-2 days).
After removal, wash the tattoo with unscented soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion, rubbed in really well.
Do not replace any bandaging and let it rest in the open or under loose clothing.
Continue following general aftercare instructions below.

If you went home with a temporary (Dri-Loc, seran wrap, etc.) bandage…

Remove the bandage with 1-2 hours after your appointment.
With clean hands, wash the tattoo with unscented soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion, rubbed in really well.
Do not replace any bandaging and let it rest in the open or under loose clothing.
Continue following general aftercare instructions below.

First 2 weeks:

Keep it clean. Wash the tattoo 2-3 times per day with unscented soap, followed by a thin layer of unscented moisturizer rubbed in really well, decreasing frequency as needed. Use whichever brand your skin likes best, so long as it is fragrance-free.
Do not submerge the tattoo in water (no swimming/bathing), avoid direct sunlight by keeping covered under loose clothing, and do not apply sunscreen to the tattoo.
Avoid tight clothing that may rub against the tattoo (especially leggings, bras, etc.).
“Weeping” is normal the first few days of healing as the plasma pushes out any excessive ink. Continue to keep the area clean and do not cover with any extra bandaging.
Flaking / mild itchiness is normal 2-3 days after the tattoo appointment. Avoid scratching or picking at any scabs.
If you experience excessive itchiness or oozing that is thick/yellow in color, you may have an infection and should contact your doctor.

Next 3-4 weeks:

For line-work / black-and-gray: once the skin has fully healed, you may begin swimming/bathing again and start applying sun screen to your tattoo.
For color / heavy black-fill: continue washing your tattoo and avoiding water/sun until the skin has fully healed.

After 4 weeks:

Avoid sun damage by applying sunscreen to your tattoo whenever outside.
By this point the ink should be fully settled, and you’re welcome to follow-up with any touch-up requests!