We know every person’s body is different, so first and foremost, we ask that you listen to your body and give it the care it needs. You know your body best, but keep in mind that a tattoo should be cared for like a wound and given time to heal in order to maintain its full, beautiful potential. Guidelines to heal a tattoo vary from shop to shop (and even artist to artist), but it is highly recommended that you follow our aftercare process closely if you haven’t found another method that works perfectly for you every time. Failure to do so may result in a tattoo that does not show your idea or the artist’s work properly. After a month of healing, if you feel like your tattoo may need a touch up, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Healing time for most tattoos is 2-3 weeks, but it can take up to 6 weeks for a tattoo to reach the point that it’s considered fully healed.
TATTOO GOLDEN RULES
- NO SWIMMING (lakes, oceans, pools, hot tubs, baths, or other long exposure to water) for the first two weeks. Keeping your newly tattooed skin away from getting soaked makes a huge difference in the longevity and overall quality of your tattoo.
- Expect itching on your freshly done tattoo as a normal part of the healing process. However, do not to scratch it, as it can cause scarring and even warp your tattoo.
- NO GYM (or sauna) for 2 weeks. This is for your protection, as well as those around you. No matter how clean your gym claims to be, it’s an easy breeding ground for serious contaminants. You can do light activity like yoga until the tattoo is healed, as excess sweat can cause issues with the healing process.
- Sunlight and tattoos don’t make a good combination. Left unprotected for long durations of time, your tattoos can fade or skin will end up damaged. Avoid exposing your tattooed skin to sunlight, especially the first couple of weeks. If you have to go outdoors, cover your new tattoo with baggy clothes. You should NOT use sunscreen on a fresh tattoo! Please wait until it has healed for at least 2 weeks.
Second Skin
The use of Saniderm, DermShield, and other “second skin” tattoo-covering options is not usually recommended for those with sensitive skin, especially sensitivities to adhesive bandages. However, if you do choose to utilize a bandage option, please refer to the directions on the package, which generally states that you should replace the bandage after 24 hours. We can help apply second skin after your appointment if requested (we carry a DermShield at this time). We cannot guarantee it will be a good choice for your skin.
Healing without Second Skin
After your session, keep plastic wrap on the tattoo for 2-4 hours. After removing the wrap for the first time, clean the area with antibacterial or neutral soap. Let air-dry, then apply a thin layer of healing ointment (A&D, Aquaphor, etc). Please do not use Vaseline because it can cause the tattoo to “suffocate”, or not get enough air to begin the healing process.
We recommend the wash/air dry/ointment method 3-4 times a day for the first 5 days of the tattoo healing process. After those five days, switch to washing once a day and moisturizing with unscented lotion or your preferred natural moisturizer.
If you are concerned about the tattoo being exposed to pet fur, dust, soiled linens, etc. while going about your day or while you are sleeping, you can put another piece of plastic wrap on the tattoo after removing the first and cleaning your new piece.
If you are sensitive to ointments or your tattoo feels “smothered”, you can use less or opt for a more natural option, such as coconut oil or shea butter. The main idea is to keep the tattoo moisturized so it is given the opportunity to heal properly.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
- If you feel your tattoo has been compromised through excessive sweat, exposure to external agents, etc., conduct a normal cleaning of the area. It’s important to keep external objects and dirt away from your newly tattooed skin, especially when it’s so fresh.
- Do your best to be hyperaware of potential “dangers” to your new tattoo: bumping into someone, your pets, rubbing against your clothes, etc. Things like fur/pet dander or germs on any surface, including another person, are the BIGGEST risk factors for infections.
- As a rule of thumb, you can shower 3-4 hours after getting your new tattoo. Stick with neutral, unscented soap and keep the temperature warm rather than hot for the first few days to reduce discomfort.
If you have any questions during the healing process, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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Sound Sanctuary Tattoos LLC does not hold any legal liability for any advice given above and is not to be held liable or responsible for poor aftercare of tattoos. The methods above have been utilized in the tattoo industry for many years, but if any issues occur, we are NOT licensed medical professionals and we will advise that you seek out medical care if it seems at all necessary. For potential issues that may arise after getting a tattoo, click here. If you need help in knowing if it’s necessary to see your doctor/dermatologist, please reach out via email. We’d be happy to take a look and advise to the best of our knowledge and ability.