Aftercare

Tattoo aftercare is essential to proper healing. Follow these steps to keep your skin healthy and your tattoo looking great.

First 24 hours

Your tattoo artist will put a bandage over your tattoo. Keep it on for 3-24 hours after your appointment. This protects the skin while it begins to heal.

It's normal for the tattoo to look blurry under the bandage due to moisture buildup. Plasma builds up and pulls a small amount of ink to the surface — your tattoo will not look blurry once it heals.

When it's time to remove the bandage, slowly take it off under warm running water. It may stick tightly to the skin and need a little force. A small amount of ink on the bandage is nothing to worry about.

Cleaning your tattoo

Gently wash your tattoo with mild soap and water.
Do not scrub the tattoo with a brush or rough towel until it's fully healed.
Pat the tattooed area dry with a clean, sterile towel.
Do not reapply a new bandage.

The next few weeks

After 3 days, apply a light coating of Lubriderm, Aquaphor, H2Ocean, or Dermassage. Continue until the skin returns to its pre-tattoo condition.
Use just enough lotion to cover the area. Too much can hinder healing and pull ink up.
Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning booths for 7-10 days. Sun can dry the healing area and cause fading.
Once healed, use SPF 30+ sunscreen on your tattoo to protect against UV damage. Avoid direct sunlight on a fresh tattoo for at least a month after your session.

What to avoid

Do not go swimming, soak in a tub, or use a Jacuzzi until your tattoo is fully healed. Showers are fine. Submerging the area in water can cause life-threatening infections.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo.
Avoid activities that make you sweat for about two weeks. Sweat, tight clothing, and unsanitary surfaces can cause scarring, infection, and inflammation.
Your tattoo will form a light, dry scab that falls off in 7-10 days. Do not touch or pick at it.

Contact a physician if you notice any of the following:

Fever
Redness at the tattoo site
Swelling or tenderness
Elevated body temperature
Red streaks going from the tattoo toward the heart
Green or yellow discharge with a foul odor

This guide is a summary of aftercare instructions provided to Patch Tattoo Therapy by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division.

Questions about your healing? Reach out — we want to help you keep your skin healthy and your tattoo looking great.