Tattoo aftercare

How do I take care of my tattoo?

Proper tattoo aftercare is essential for healing, color retention, and long-term results. Your tattoo artist will provide specific instructions, but general tattoo aftercare typically follows one of these methods:

Tattoo Aftercare with Dermshield (Second Skin)

If your tattoo is covered with Dermshield (or a similar medical-grade protective film), leave it on for the full recommended healing period. This barrier protects the tattoo from bacteria and irritation while allowing it to heal naturally, requiring minimal daily maintenance.

Traditional Tattoo Aftercare

If your tattoo is not covered with Dermshield or a similar product:

1. Wash your tattoo 2–3 times per day using a fragrance-free, antibacterial liquid hand soap.

2. Rinse gently with lukewarm water.

3. Pat dry using a clean paper towel — do not rub.

4. Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment or lotion.

We recommend Aquaphor for its absorption and effectiveness in healing minor wounds. You may also use a fragrance-free, lightweight lotion once initial healing begins.

Important Aftercare Tip

Your tattoo should never appear oily or wet during the healing process. If it does, too much ointment or lotion has been applied. Gently blot away excess moisture with a clean paper towel.

Following proper tattoo aftercare helps ensure optimal healing, prevents infection, and preserves the quality of your tattoo for years to come.

Sun and water

How long should I wait before going in the sun or swimming after getting a tattoo?

Sun exposure and swimming can significantly affect the tattoo healing process, so proper timing is important.

Sun Exposure After a Tattoo

You should wait until your tattoo is fully healed before exposing it to direct sunlight or applying sunscreen. Once healed, use a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the tattoo.

During the healing phase, keep your tattoo covered and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Sun exposure on a healing tattoo can:

• Damage the skin and slow healing

• Cause irritation and increased scabbing

• Lead to pigment fading or color loss

Swimming After a Tattoo

Swimming should also be avoided until your tattoo is fully healed. This includes pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, and baths.

Prolonged water exposure can:

• Soften healing skin and scabs

• Cause flakes or scabs to come off too early

• Increase the risk of infection and pigment loss

Excess moisture during healing can interfere with proper tattoo formation and affect long-term results.

Why Waiting Matters

Allowing your tattoo to fully heal before sun exposure or swimming helps preserve color, reduces irritation, and ensures the best possible outcome for your tattoo.

Touch ups

Do tattoos need touch-ups, and when should I get one?

Tattoo touch-ups are sometimes necessary and are a normal part of the tattoo process. In most cases, touch-ups address areas where a tattoo may not have healed perfectly and minor pigment loss has occurred.

Touch-Ups After Healing

Every person’s skin heals differently, and occasional pigment loss can happen during the healing process. If this occurs, simply let your tattoo artist know. Once your tattoo is fully healed, your artist can schedule a quick touch-up session to refine and freshen the affected areas.

Touch-Ups Over Time

For well-healed tattoos, touch-ups may also be needed years later due to:

• Natural aging of the skin

• Sun exposure

• Gradual fading over time

Depending on the tattoo, an artist may approach a touch-up in different ways. In some cases, refreshing line work is enough. In others, restoring contrast or saturation can help the tattoo regain its original impact.

How to Minimize the Need for Touch-Ups

Proper tattoo maintenance plays a key role in preserving your tattoo’s appearance:

• Apply a high-SPF sunscreen whenever your tattoo will be exposed to direct sunlight

• Keep the skin hydrated with a quality moisturizer

Dry skin can dull a tattoo’s appearance, while well-hydrated skin helps colors appear richer and more vibrant.

When to Contact Your Artist

If you notice fading, uneven healing, or loss of clarity once your tattoo has healed, reach out to your artist to discuss whether a touch-up is recommended.

How Do i find the right tattoo artsit?

Choosing the right tattoo artist is one of the most important steps in getting a tattoo you’ll love long term. Here are key factors to consider when researching an artist or tattoo studio.

Evaluate the Quality of Their Work

Start by reviewing the artist’s portfolio. Look for:

• Clean, consistent line work

• Solid, even color saturation

• Strong contrast and clarity

A skilled tattoo artist should demonstrate a solid foundation in these fundamentals across multiple pieces.

Choose an Artist Who Specializes in Your Desired Style

It’s important that the artist regularly works in the style you’re looking for — not just similar subject matter.

For example:

• If you want a portrait tattoo, the artist should have a strong portfolio of healed and fresh portraits.

• If you’re looking for illustrative or stylized work, they should show consistent examples of that approach.

• For fine line or small tattoos, look for clean, delicate examples done at that scale.

A well-rounded portfolio in your preferred style is a strong indicator of the right fit.

Assess Communication and Professionalism

A good tattoo artist should be willing to sit down with you and discuss your ideas — even if you ultimately decide not to book. Pay attention to:

• Whether they listen to your concept

• How they offer feedback or suggestions

• Their willingness to collaborate rather than dismiss ideas outright

Mutual respect and clear communication go a long way, especially for larger or multi-session tattoos.

Consider Personality and Client Experience

You’ll be spending hours — sometimes multiple sessions — with your tattoo artist. It’s important to feel comfortable. Friendly, professional manners matter, as does how the artist interacts with others in the studio.

Check Reviews and Studio Reputation

Look at reviews for both the artist and the tattoo shop. While not every experience will be a perfect match, the majority of reviews should reflect:

• Professionalism

• Cleanliness

• Quality work

• Positive client interactions

Consistently strong reviews are a good sign you’re in capable hands.