Healing instructions, by stage.
Follow this guide closely for the first month. It's built to print — save a copy or keep this page bookmarked.
First, the basics
A fresh tattoo is an open wound. Treat it like one — clean, protected, and undisturbed — and it will heal cleanly and hold its detail for years. Rush or neglect it, and the tattoo pays for it permanently.
Leave the original bandage on
Keep the initial covering on for the length of time specified at your appointment — typically a few hours. Don't peek repeatedly. When you remove it, wash your hands thoroughly first.
Wash, gently, twice a day
Wash with clean hands using a fragrance-free, mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub, never use a bath towel. Apply a thin layer of the aftercare ointment Rodney recommends. A thin layer, not a thick coat.
Expect peeling and itching
This is normal skin regeneration, not a problem. Switch from ointment to a fragrance-free lotion once the tattoo stops feeling tight. Do not pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin — let it come away on its own.
Surface heals, color settles
The tattoo will look fully healed on the surface well before it's actually healed underneath. Keep moisturizing daily and stay out of direct sun on the area during this period.
Protect it for life
Sunlight is the single biggest threat to a healed tattoo's clarity over time. Use SPF 30+ on the area whenever it's exposed — this alone will keep linework and color sharp for decades.
Do
- Wash gently, twice daily
- Use fragrance-free products only
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area
- Sleep on clean sheets while healing
- Apply SPF once fully healed
Don't
- Soak in baths, pools, lakes, or hot tubs
- Pick, scratch, or peel the skin
- Apply thick layers of ointment
- Expose the fresh tattoo to direct sun
- Work out heavily until the surface has closed
Some redness, warmth, and mild swelling in the first few days is expected. Spreading redness, increasing pain after day three, fever, or pus is not — contact Rodney or a medical professional if you notice any of these.