tattoo aftercare
4 – 6 week heal time (body takes at least 4 weeks to regenerate new skin)
derm bandage/second skin (clear sticker)
Breathable bacterial-resistant medical grade barrier. Helps to reduce the invasion of environmental pathogens into a fresh tattoo
Leave bandage on for 12 to 24 hours
Remove the bandage evenly, in a downward motion, with the grain of the skin, slowly, under room temp running water (sink/shower)
regular bandage (saran wrap/dry lock)
recommended for sensitive skinned individuals
leave bandage on for 3 to 5 hours
remove the bandage as normal
wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Pat dry - don’t rub.
frequently asked questions
is it safe to swim after getting a tattoo?
DO NOT SWIM! No lakes, oceans, pools, rivers, hot tubs, or bathtubs (must be avoided for 4 weeks). You can get bad bacteria in your tattoo that can lead to infections.
Yes, you can shower! However, prolonged showering will loosen scabs if any have formed or will soak through the soft tissue turning it into a soggy mess and causing your ink to flow down the drain. Short cool showers are best.
is it ok if my tattoo gets some sun?
NO SUN. You are now a vampire. Remember, the sun is BAD for your healing tattoo! A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause problems. It will dry out your tattoo, and form a scab resulting in scaring and fading. It will also take much longer to heal completely.
If you need to be in the sun, please wait 4–6 weeks until your tattoo is fully healed. Once healed, limit direct sun exposure to no more than 10–15 minutes at a time. Otherwise, keep the tattoo covered.
what kind of lotion can i use?
DO NOT USE LOTIONS THAT CONTAIN COLOR OR FRAGRANCE until the healing is complete. Use our recommended Hustle Butter or Tattoo Goo ointment for the best healing or unscented lotion. Remember tattoos are permanent, so heal them properly.
can i apply sunscreen on my tattoo?
NO SUNBLOCK on a healing tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to go back into the sun or a tanning bed. Make sure you put on a high-quality sunblock once you are healed. Whether the tattoo is new or old, if you want it to look nice and heal properly, keep it out of the sun.
what do i do if my tattoo gets itchy?
DO NOT PICK, SCRATCH, OR RUB YOUR TATTOO. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a healing tattoo, leading to a badly healed tattoo. Disrupting the tattoo while it’s healing can also cause scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time.
how long should i wait to go back to the gym after getting a tattoo?
It’s best to give your tattoo at least 2–3 days to start healing before hitting the gym. Sweat, friction, and bacteria can mess with the healing process. If your tattoo is in a spot that moves a lot or gets rubbed during workouts, give it a little more time, up to a week is a safe bet. Listen to your body and take it easy until it feels comfortable!
got more questions?