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Keep the second skin on for 24 to 48 hours, then wash twice daily with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, and add a thin layer of unscented lotion. No soaking for at least 2 to 3 weeks, no scratching, no direct sun.
Tattoo aftercare in two minutes, from Tattoo Lab in Halifax: bandage care, washing, moisturising and the healing stages.
Your artist covered the tattoo with a second skin bandage. Keep it on for 24 to 48 hours unless told otherwise. To remove: lift a corner, run warm water over it if it sticks, peel slowly and close to the skin. Never pull it off dry.
Lukewarm water and a fragrance-free antibacterial or baby soap, with your hands only. Rinse, pat dry with a clean paper towel or air dry 10 to 15 minutes before any lotion.
Wash twice a day. A thin layer of unscented aftercare lotion after washing: soft, not shiny. Loose, breathable clothing. Drink water.
Days 1 to 3The tattoo may ooze plasma and ink. Gently clean and keep it lightly moisturised.
Days 4 to 7Light peeling or flaking begins, like a mild sunburn. Do not pick.
Days 7 to 14The itching phase. Tap gently to relieve it. Never scratch; that is how you lose ink.
Day 14 and beyondIt may look cloudy or dull while new skin forms. The colour sharpens over the following weeks.
For life: fragrance-free lotion, and SPF 50+ every day it sees sun. UV is the main cause of fading.
No scratching or picking. No soaking: swimming, baths, hot tubs or the ocean for at least 2 to 3 weeks. No heavy sweating for a few days. Keep it out of direct sun. No perfumes or lotions with alcohol.
Fever, chills or pain spreading beyond the tattoo: see a doctor the same day, and text us so we know.
Intense redness or swelling after day 3. Yellow or green discharge or an unpleasant odour. Rash, bumps or excessive irritation.
If you are unsure, text us a photo. We would far rather look at it early.
The surface usually settles over two to four weeks. The deeper layers keep settling for a couple of months, which is why touch-ups are judged after healing, not before.
24 to 48 hours, unless your artist tells you otherwise. Lift one corner and run warm water over it if it sticks. Never pull it off dry.
Avoid soaking for at least 2 to 3 weeks: pools, bathtubs, hot tubs and the ocean. Showers are fine.
Yes, both are part of healing. Flaking starts around days 4 to 7 and the itch peaks around days 7 to 14. Tap gently, never scratch.
Intense redness or swelling after day 3, or yellow or green discharge, are not normal healing. Text us a photo, or see a healthcare professional.
Wait until it has fully healed, then text us a photo. If it is uneven healing or ink loss, your artist assesses it and a complimentary touch-up is offered when genuinely necessary. Conditions apply, there is no fixed time window, and fingers, hands and feet are not guaranteed.
Text 902-448-2211 with a photo. Healing a piercing instead? The piercing guide covers it.
