aftercare
A tattoo, whether small or large, is a permanent body modification. A fresh tattoo is an open wound and failing to properly clean, moisturize, and protect your tattoo drastically increases your risk of bacterial infection, permanent scarring, and ink loss. Please follow the instructions below carefully to ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its details for years to come.
healing process
Fineline tattoos typically take 4-6 weeks to heal on the surface, but full healing (including deeper layers of skin) can take up to 3 months depending on your skin.
During the first few days, you may experience redness, swelling, and slight oozing of plasma or ink.
Scabbing, peeling, and itching are natural parts of the healing process. Avoid picking or scratching and let the scab fall off naturally.
Your tattoo may look dull while healing, but the ink will settle over time.
second skin
Second skin protects your tattoo during the most vulnerable stage of healing. Leave it on for 2-3 days, but it's fine if it comes off sooner. If you notice your skin getting red or swelling under the second skin, you may have an adhesive allergy. Remove it and wash the area immediately.
Remove it in the shower under lukewarm running water with fragrance-free soap. Rub soap along the edges until it starts to lift, then get a grip on the bottom and pull it down toward the ground (similar to removing a command strip). Alternatively, keep working soap and water into the edges until it lifts completely.
Once you’ve removed the second skin, wash the area gently to clear any sticky residue, then start your daily care routine.
If we used saran wrap instead, remove it in 2-3 hours.
daily care
For the first two weeks, wash your tattoo twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently cleanse with your fingers and avoid scrubbing or using rough towels.
Let the tattoo air dry. Do not use a towel.
Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer or tattoo-specific ointment after cleaning. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
Avoid over-moisturizing and allow it to absorb completely before applying more.
things to avoid
For 4-6 weeks, please avoid the following:
FRICTION
Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo to avoid damaging the fine lines. If it is itchy, gently tap the area or apply more moisturizer to soothe it.
Wear loose clothing to avoid irritation and allow the tattoo to breathe.
HEAT
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. Once fully healed, start using sunscreen to protect it from fading.
Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours after getting tattooed. Alcohol increases your body temperature and can increase bleeding, impacting the healing process.
WATER
Avoid submerging your tattoo in water (ocean, pools, hot tubs, baths, etc.).
Light exercise is okay, but avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or friction on the tattooed area. Clean your tattoo immediately after exercise.
touchup
Even if you follow aftercare instructions perfectly, the ink may fade or not settle evenly, as it is a foreign substance being injected into your skin. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to being tattooed.
For this reason, I offer free touchups. If you’d like a touchup, please book a touchup appointment.