Aftercare.

I recommend you follow the instructions below to ensure your tattoo heals well. Negligence to proper aftercare can lead to colour loss, infection, and/or poor healing.

1. Leave the second skin bandage on for 2-5 days or as directed by your artist.
If you experience irritation, burning or redness around the bandage you may be having an allergic reaction – remove the bandage immediately.

2. Remove the bandage slowly.
Doing so while in the shower may help ease the removal.

3. Cleanse the tattooed area gently.
Use a mild soap and warm water. Do not scrub the tattoo with a sponge, brush or towel.

4. Dry the clean tattooed area.
Pat gently with a clean paper towel or a fresh soft towel. Avoid drying with a used hand/body towel.

5. Keep your tattoo clean.
Wash it with soap 1-2 times a day until fully healed.

6. Moisturize your tattoo once it begins to scab or as directed by your artist.
Try to use a gentle lotion that is unscented and apply with freshly washed hands to clean skin, Moisturize daily as needed until the tattoo is fully healed. 

While your tattoo is healing:

  • Keep your tattoo and the general area clean.
  • Don’t pick, itch, or scratch your tattoo.
  • Don’t soak your tattoo – avoid swimming, baths, long showers and excessive sweating.
  • Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo. 
  • Avoid direct sunlight on a healing tattoo.

PLEASE NOTE: Small tattoos should heal pretty quickly and without the need for anything other than the instructions above.  Larger tattoos may take more time, and the next day may still be red, swollen and “sting” a little. If some swelling/redness is present the day after your tattoo, and it is uncomfortable or bothering you, it is appropriate to ice it (~20 minutes) and/or an NSAID (ibuprofen, Advil, aleve, naproxen) to help bring the swelling down.

Signs + symptoms to look out for:

For my autoimmune deficient pals, healing after a tattoo is a little bit more work because our bodies initiate an inflammatory healing response to the numerous tiny puncture injuries, which cause swelling, redness, and immune cells to be recruited to that area.

To avoid infections, please follow Aftercare and properly care for your new tattoo. Consult with a family physician within 24 hours if any signs of an infection develop following the procedure:

  • Fever or chills – right after a long tattoo you may get the chills from adrenaline leaving your body, but prolonged chills are a sign of infection or an allergic reaction.
  • Abnormal redness or swelling – although redness and puffy skin is normal, it is not a good sign if the redness or swelling persists after a few days. 
  • Oozing liquid – if there is lots of black in your design, you may have some a build up of plasma (clear, yellowish-clear, or blood-tinged fluid) which is a helpful part in the healing process. However if you ever see green or yellowish fluid does not steadily subside overtime, have the area evaluated.
  • Prolonged itching or hives – if you break out in hives a few days or weeks afterwards, see your doctor. Allergic reactions don’t always happen immediately, and may appear months after.


Your tattoo will take about 2-4 weeks to fully heal. Once the tattoo has healed be sure to use 30 SPF+ sunscreen to protect your tattoo!