If you notice:
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Excessive swelling or heat
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Thick yellow/green discharge
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Red streaks moving outward
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Severe pain after the first 48 hours
Contact me ASAP—or see a doctor if you suspect an infection. It’s rare, but it’s better to be safe.
Signs Something’s Wrong
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Keep it clean
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Moisturize sparingly
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Don’t pick
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Avoid soaking, sweating, or sun
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Ask questions if you're unsure
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Treat it like the magical art it is
TL;DR Tattoo Aftercare Checklist:
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❌ Don’t soak your tattoo (no baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or ocean) for at least 2–3 weeks
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❌ No heavy sweating or gym for the first few days (especially with large tattoos)
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❌ Don’t expose it to direct sunlight while healing
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❌ Don’t rebandage unless I tell you to
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❌ Don’t listen to your friend who “heals tattoos with cocoa butter and vibes”—trust your artist
What Not to Do
Once it’s healed:
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Always use SPF 30 or higher on your tattoo when in the sun
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Keep it moisturized to prevent fading
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Schedule touch-ups if needed (I’ll let you know what’s included)
Long-Term Care = Long-Term Color
After cleaning:
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Apply a very thin layer of a recommended product:
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Aquaphor
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Hustle Butter
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After Inked
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A tattoo-specific moisturizer
(Fragrance-free only—no scented lotions, coconut oil, or Neosporin!)
-
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Less is more. Your skin needs to breathe. Too much ointment can smother it and cause breakouts or scabbing.
Moisturize Like a Pro
Your tattoo will go through phases. Here’s what to expect:
Days 2–4:
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Mild redness and tenderness
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Ink “bleeding” or oozing is normal
Days 5–10:
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Peeling and flaking (like a sunburn)
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Do NOT pick or scratch—this can pull out the ink and cause scarring
Days 10–14:
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Slight itchiness and dryness
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Keep moisturizing 2–3 times a day
Days 2–14: Healing Mode Activated
I’ll wrap your tattoo before you leave the studio using either:
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Saniderm or a second-skin bandage
-OR- -
Plastic wrap and ointment, depending on the tattoo and location.
Leave it on for the time I recommend—usually:
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Saniderm/second skin: 24–72 hours
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Plastic wrap: Remove within a few hours (I’ll tell you exactly how long)
Right After Your Appointment
Once it’s time to remove the bandage:
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Wash your hands. Seriously—don’t skip this.
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Gently remove the wrap. If it sticks, wet it under warm water to loosen.
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Clean the tattoo with fragrance-free soap (like Dial or Dr. Bronner’s unscented). Use just your hands—no washcloths or sponges.
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Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t rub.
Let your tattoo air out for a bit before applying anything to it.
Day 1: The First Cleanse
