Tattoo Aftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo!

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully. Every artist has a different approach to healing, and there are multiple ways to achieve great results. These instructions are tailored to the healing patterns of my fine line tattoo style and are based on what I’ve found works best for my clients.

General Reminders

- The better you care for your tattoo, the quicker it will heal and the better it will look!
- Some soreness and swelling are normal for the first few days. You can take ibuprofen/Tylenol and apply ice to reduce discomfort.
- Avoid excessive workouts for the first few days to prevent irritation.
- No swimming and no prolonged sun exposure while your tattoo is healing. Once healed, always use SPF to keep your tattoo looking vibrant.
- Touch-Up Policy: One free touch-up session is included as long as aftercare instructions are followed. Touch-ups must be scheduled between 6 weeks and 4 months after your initial appointment.

Healing with Transparent Surgical Dressing (Recommended)

I highly recommend using transparent surgical dressing for a low-maintenance healing process. This method protects your tattoo while allowing your skin to breathe. It is especially useful if you:

✔ Have had trouble healing tattoos in the past
✔ Are sensitive to lotions/ointments/inks
✔ Are highly active or have a busy schedule
✔ Live in a hot or dry climate

💡 Bonus: You can shower with the bandage on!

Precaution:

A small percentage of people are sensitive to medical adhesives. If you develop a rash or blisters around the bandage, discontinue use immediately and switch to traditional aftercare (see below).

How to Use Transparent Surgical Dressing

1. Initial Dressing: I will apply the first dressing after your session. You will need 1-2 additional applications to complete the healing process if you decide to heal with medical dressing for the first week. 3M Tegederm is available at drugstores. Aftercare kits are available for $10-$20, including two dressings and Hustle Butter.
2. Leave the initial dressing on for up to 3 days. If excessive plasma buildup occurs or the seal is compromised, it is more than okay to remove it earlier.
3. To remove the dressing:
  - Gently peel up a corner of the bandage.
  - Slowly pull the film back across the skin (not straight up).
  - Removing it in the shower can help loosen the adhesive.
4. Applying a Fresh Dressing (optional):
  - Wash the tattoo with unscented soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
  - Cut a new piece of dressing, leaving at least 1 inch of extra coverage around the tattoo.
  - crack the seam running down the middle of the top side of the dressing. This will make it easier to pull it off later.
  - Remove the back side of the dressing and apply smoothly, pressing out air bubbles. For larger tattoos I find peeling just the edge to start works best.
  - Remove the clear backing by peeling from the center outward.
5. Leave the second dressing on for up to one week, replacing if needed.
6. Once the final dressing is removed, switch to moisturizing with an aftercare cream such as unscented lotion, Hustle Butter, or coconut oil.

Healing with Traditional Aftercare

If you choose not to use a surgical dressing, or decide to use just the initial dressing provided by the shop, follow these steps:

1. Remove the dressing:
  - Gently peel up a corner of the bandage.
  - Slowly pull the film back across the skin (not straight up).
  - Removing it in the shower can help loosen the adhesive.
2. Wash your tattoo a few times a day with lukewarm water and unscented soap (like Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented or Dial Gold).
3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel—do not rub.
4. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion, Hustle Butter, or coconut oil as needed to prevent dryness and itching.
5. DO NOT:
  - Pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo—it will cause scarring.
  - Soak your tattoo (no baths, pools, or saunas) for at least 2-3 weeks.
  - Expose your healing tattoo to direct sunlight.

The Healing Process

Your tattoo will go through different healing stages:

✔ Days 1-3: Your tattoo may feel sore and look slightly swollen or red. Some plasma and ink leakage is normal.
✔ Days 4-7: The tattoo will begin to scab and peel. DO NOT pick at it!
✔ Days 7-14: Itchiness is common—gently moisturize to soothe irritation.
✔ Weeks 3-4: The top layer of skin should be fully healed, but deeper layers may still be settling. Continue moisturizing and protecting from the sun.

Final Touch-Up

- Once your tattoo is fully healed (between 6 weeks and 4 months), you may schedule your one free touch-up session if needed.
- Proper aftercare reduces the need for touch-ups, so follow these guidelines carefully!

Questions?

If you have any concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out!

📧Email: info@thecraftyqueer.com
📸 Instagram: @the_crafty_queer