TATTOO AFTERCARE

Your tattoo is an investment in art — and proper aftercare is essential to ensure it heals beautifully. Following these guidelines will help protect your tattoo, prevent infection, and preserve the vibrancy of your ink.

The First Stage: Second Skin Healing

We recommend healing your tattoo using a second skin bandage.

Second skin acts as a protective barrier that:

Shields your tattoo from bacteria and friction
Locks in your body’s natural healing fluids
Reduces scabbing and irritation
Helps promote smoother healing

How Long to Keep It On

Leave your second skin on for 4 days, unless otherwise instructed by your artist or if you have an allergic reaction.

During this time:

It is normal to see fluid build-up under the bandage.
Do not puncture or drain it.
If the bandage becomes loose, leaks excessively, or peels off prematurely, gently remove it, clean the area, and follow the aftercare steps below.

Removing Second Skin

When ready to remove:

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Gently peel the bandage back slowly in the shower (warm water helps loosen the adhesive).
Clean the tattoo immediately after removal.

Cleaning Your Tattoo

Once the second skin is removed:
Wash the tattoo gently using unscented or mild soap/body wash.
Avoid heavily fragranced or antibacterial soaps that may cause irritation.
Use clean hands — avoid loofahs, washcloths, or sponges.
Pat dry with a clean towel (do not rub).

Moisturising

After cleaning, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturiser such as Ohana Tattoo Butter or Valkyrie Tattoo Care Balm.

We recommend moisturising the area at least 4 times per day for 4 days, or whenever the tattoo feels dry, tight, or itchy — continue this routine until fully healed.

Important:

Do not over-apply. A thin layer is enough.
The tattoo should never feel greasy or suffocated.
Avoid petroleum-heavy products unless specifically recommended.

Keeping the skin hydrated prevents cracking, heavy scabbing, and ink loss.

What to Expect During Healing

Healing typically takes 2–4 weeks, though deeper layers of skin may take longer.

You may experience:

Mild redness
Light swelling
Peeling or flaking (similar to sunburn)
Itching

Do not:

Pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin
Pull off scabs
Shave over the tattoo until fully healed

Important Aftercare Tips

Avoid Soaking

For at least 2–3 weeks:

No baths
No swimming pools
No hot tubs
No oceans

Quick showers are fine.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure

Fresh tattoos are extremely sensitive to UV rays.

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while healing.
Do not apply sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed.
Once healed, always use SPF to protect the ink from fading.

Wear Loose Clothing

Tight clothing can rub, irritate, and pull at healing skin. Choose breathable, loose-fitting fabrics where possible.

Avoid Excessive Sweating

For the first 7–10 days:

Avoid intense workouts
Avoid friction-heavy activities

Sweat and friction can irritate the area and affect healing.

Do Not Rewrap

Unless specifically instructed by your artist, do not re-bandage your tattoo after removing the second skin. It needs air to heal properly.

Signs of Infection (Rare but Important)

Contact your artist or a medical professional if you notice:

Severe redness spreading beyond the tattoo
Increasing pain after day 3–4
Thick yellow/green discharge
Fever or chills

Mild redness and irritation are normal — worsening symptoms are not.

Long-Term Care

Once healed:

Keep your tattoo moisturised regularly.
Always use high-SPF sunscreen to prevent fading.
Healthy skin keeps tattoos looking bold and vibrant.

Healing Is a Partnership

Every tattoo heals differently depending on placement, skin type, and lifestyle. If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out — we’re here to help you protect your artwork.