top of page

Tattoo AfteRcaRe

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. 

Leave your bandage on for roughly 24-36 hours (your bandage is waterproof and breathable).

Remove your bandage in the shower.  Let warm water run over top of your bandage for 5 minutes before starting to peel it off.  Peel it off very slowly and gently, keeping it under warm running water.

 

When the bandage is off, clean your tattoo with mild, unscented soap.

 

Pat your tattoo dry with clean paper towel (don’t use your regular bath towel while healing).

 

Wash your tattoo daily in the shower with unscented soap.  Wash it an additional time immediately after exercising, partying, gardening, etc. (any time you get sweaty or dirty). 

Once your tattoo begins to flake and peel, moisturize with a very thin layer of unscented lotion.  Do not over-moisturize.  It's normal for your tattoo to flake and peel while it's healing. 


If you have pets that sleep in your bed, kick them out while your tattoo is fresh.  Change your bedsheets before your first night without the bandage.     

 

Avoid touching your tattoo. No scratching. No picking at scabs/flakes. Let any flaky, healing skin come off naturally in its own time. 

 

Wear loose, nonrestrictive, breathable clothing while your tattoo is healing.

No baths, hot tubs, or swimming for 2 weeks.

 

Keep your tattoo out of the sun for 2 weeks.  When your tattoo is fully healed, you can use sunscreen.

 

There will be some discomfort while it heals but if redness, swelling, or irritation persists, feel free to contact your tattoo artist for advice. If your tattoo becomes infected (emits white or yellow fluid) contact your doctor.

103 Fourth Ave, 3rd Floor  ❖  Ottawa  

bottom of page