Heal it right.
Half of a great tattoo is how it heals. Follow this guide, and if anything looks off, message your artist before you message the internet.
Where are you at?
Enter your appointment date to see what your tattoo should be doing today.
Second skin on
Leave the clear film on for 3–5 days. Some ink and plasma under it is normal.
- If it leaks at the edges, remove it early
- Peel slowly under warm running water
Wash & breathe
Wash twice a day with fragrance-free soap and clean hands. Pat dry with paper towel.
- Thin layer of unscented lotion, 2–3 times a day
- Loose clothing over the area
Peeling & itching
Flaking is normal. Don’t pick or scratch — tap it gently instead.
- No pools, baths, oceans or saunas
- Keep it out of direct sun
Settling in
Surface looks healed but deeper skin is still recovering. Keep moisturizing.
Touch-up window
Spot anything patchy? Your free touch-up is valid within 3 months. Book through your artist.
Do this, not that.
Do
- Wash hands before touching it
- Use fragrance-free soap and lotion
- Sleep on clean sheets
- Drink water and rest
- Use SPF 50 once fully healed
Don’t
- Soak it for two weeks
- Pick, peel or scratch
- Use petroleum jelly or scented products
- Tan or sunbathe
- Wear tight clothes over it
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you notice spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus, fever or red streaks, contact a doctor promptly.
Healing FAQ.
Give it 48 hours, and avoid exercises that stretch or rub the area for the first week. Wipe gym equipment before use.
Yes. A milky layer forms as new skin grows over the ink, usually in week two. It clears by week four.
Message your artist with a photo in natural light. Touch-ups are free within 3 months when aftercare was followed.