The First 24 Hours and After a Tattoo: What to Expect

Owl with assortment of floral elements.

After 2-3 hours remove bandage with clean hands. Wash tattoo with antibacterial soap with warm water. DO NOT use washcloth or anything abrasive. Use a thin layer of Aquaphor/Vaseline/Tattoo aftercare ointment and wrap tattoo in plastic or a dry-lock pad product for at least 2 nights. It protects from possible contamination from fabric clothing, sheets and animal dander. Repeat wash/dry/and ointment 3 times a day for the first 2-3 days. Does not need to be covered during day, but that depends on what your daily activity includes.

For example, if you are a construction worker, yes definitely keep covered during the day.

If you work from home you can leave it uncovered and do your routine 3 washes a day.

After every wash pat dry with paper towels and give your tattoos a few minutes to just breath free of any kind of products.

Wear CLEAN LOOSE clothing

After the initial healing time of a fresh tattoo, it should flake like a sunburn peel. If scabbing happens its usually because it was not protected properly or was too dry. Any medication taken during healing could affect the process.

DO NOT PICK, OR SCRATCH TATTOO. If itching continues gently pat, and/or wash then apply thin layer of unscented lotion or Aquaphor.

DO NOT SOAK YOUR TATTOO IN ANY BODY OF WATER FOR 3-4 WEEKS. Healing can look different to everyone. If you are a slower healer (diabetic, autoimmune or on medications) it may take longer for your body to heal.

Pay attention to your body and what it needs.

DO NOT USE MEDICATED TOPICAL PRODUCTS DURING HEALING.

DO NOT EXPOSE TATTOO TO THE SUN. During healing keep it covered. Once it is fully healed be sure to use SPF sunblock to protect your tattoo. Sun damage is the worst thing for your tattoo. The better you protect it the longer it will be crisp and vibrant.

Every artist is different. Please listen to your artist for the work you have gotten with them. If you have questions, thoughts or concerns, feel free to contact me at TattoosWithLinda@gmail.com

If a tattoo gets infected, it may present as increased heat at the tattoo site, pain, or even a fever.

Redness can occur around your tattoo, or you could develop red bumps and/or white heads.

If that is the case, DO NOT SCRATCH BUMPS and wash regularly.

If you are experiencing any of the following seek medical attention immediately!

Chills, Fever, Inflammation, Excessive Itchiness or Pain that worsens.