9 ELEMENT AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
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🩹 First 24 Hours
Leave bandage on for 2–4 hours (or follow artist’s advice).
If it’s a second skin (Saniderm, Derm Shield), follow the artist’s instructions—usually it stays on for 3–5 days
Wash gently with fragrance-free soap & lukewarm water.
Pat dry with paper towel or let air dry.
No rubbing, no scratching.
💧 Days 2–7
Wash 1–2x daily with mild soap.
Moisturize lightly with unscented lotion or ointment (e.g., Aquaphor).
Expect light scabbing & peeling — do not pick or scratch.
Avoid tight clothes, sweating, or soaking.
🧴 Weeks 2–4
Continue light washing & moisturizing.
Skin may flake or itch — that’s normal.
Still no baths, pools, or direct sun.
☀️ After 4 Weeks
Tattoo should be healed.
Apply SPF 30+ daily to prevent fading.
Keep moisturizing to maintain skin & ink.
⚠️ Watch for Problems
Redness, pus, swelling, fever? → See a doctor.
Itching/rash? Might be allergic reaction — ask your artist or dermatologist.
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🩹 Immediate Aftercare (First 24–48 Hours)
1. Bandage Removal
Timing: Leave the artist-applied bandage or wrap on for 2–4 hours unless you're instructed otherwise.
If it’s a second skin (Saniderm, Derm Shield), follow the artist’s instructions—usually it stays on for 3–5 days.
Remove Carefully: Wash your hands first. Slowly peel the bandage off. If it sticks, use lukewarm water.
2. Initial Wash
Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (e.g., Dr. Bronner’s Unscented, Cetaphil, or Dial).
Wash gently with clean hands. No loofahs, towels, or sponges.
Rinse thoroughly to remove blood, plasma, and ink residue.
3. Drying
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let air dry.
Don’t rub it with a cloth towel — fibers and bacteria can cause irritation or infection.
💧 First Week (Days 1–7)
4. Moisturizing
Apply a thin layer of unscented, alcohol-free moisturizer:
Recommended: Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, After Inked, or a natural unscented lotion.
Apply 2–3 times per day after gently washing.
Do not over-apply — too much moisture can suffocate the tattoo and cause breakouts or scabbing.
5. Avoid
Scratching, rubbing, or picking at scabs or flakes.
Tight clothing over the tattoo.
Excessive sweating or strenuous exercise (especially if it causes friction
🧴 Week 2–4: Mid-Healing Phase
6. Peeling and Itching
The tattoo will flake and itch more. This is normal.
Do not scratch or pick. Let the skin slough off naturally.
7. Moisturizing Routine
Switch to a lighter unscented lotion (e.g., Lubriderm, Aveeno).
Apply 2x daily or as needed.
8. Bathing and Hygiene
Shower OK: Keep the tattoo clean but avoid direct high-pressure water.
No soaking: Avoid baths, pools, hot tubs, oceans, or lakes for at least 2–4 weeks.
☀️ After 4 Weeks: Fully Healed (Usually)
Your tattoo may still look slightly shiny or dry — this is normal.
Continue moisturizing to restore skin’s balance.
SPF is critical: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50+ daily to prevent fading.
Never expose a new tattoo to direct sun.
❗ Signs of Trouble (When to See a Doctor)
Persistent redness, heat, or swelling after Day 4
Foul odor, yellow or green pus
Extreme pain or fever
Red streaks leading away from the tattoo (sign of infection)
Allergic reactions: rash, hives, intense itching
🛠️ Long-Term Tattoo Care
Always use sunscreen. UV rays are a tattoo’s worst enemy.
Keep skin moisturized year-round.
Avoid harsh exfoliants or skin treatments directly on tattooed skin.
Consider touch-ups after 1–2 years if fading or gaps appear (most artists offer free or discounted touch-ups if done within a certain timeframe).
🧼 Products to Avoid
Alcohol-based or scented lotions
Neosporin (can cause allergic reactions or scarring)
Vaseline or petroleum jelly (too occlusive; may trap bacteria)
Loofahs, washcloths, or exfoliants on healing tattoo
Retinol or acids (AHA/BHA) on tattooed skin