Aftercare is extremely important for the healing process and will help to protect your investment in your new tattoo long term.

Recovery is my preferred method for healing. It is a thin breathable barrier film that you can leave on for the first three days of healing. 

Blood and plasma from your healing tattoo will build up under the film. This looks kind of gross but it is completely normal. I promise your tattoo is not smearing or moving its just the plasma moving under the film. 

If this fluid begins to leak out of the film please remove it as soon as possible. Leaking indicates that the film is not longer sealed and bacteria could get inside it. Otherwise you can leave the film on up to three days.

If you experience any discomfort, burning, itching, redness, etc. remove the film. It is uncommon but some people do not react well to the adhesive in the recovery. If you feel you are having an adverse reaction please remove the film immediately. Even if you have used it before with no issues.

You can shower with the film on but don't submerge in any kind of water. No baths, swimming, hot tubs, etc. for at least two weeks. 

Be gentle when you remove the film. Please do not rip it like a bandaid, this will not only be painful but will cause unnecessary trauma to your healing skin. You can remove the bandage in the shower to help loosen the adhesive.

If you find that some of the adhesive has stuck to your skin you can use coconut or olive oil to help remove it. Make sure to wash the area well with liquid, unscented soap to remove any oil residue. 

Do not scrub your new tattoo.

After removing the film, give your tattoo a good wash with clean hands, warm water and liquid soap. Dial liquid gold is what I recommend. Avoid bar soaps and anything with dyes or fragrance. 

After washing your tattoo pat it dry with paper towel, bath towels can harbor bacteria, and apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. I recommend Aveeno or Lubriderm. Avoid heavy or medicated creams and ointments.

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo and avoid touching it unnecessarily. 

Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized until it is fully healed. 

It takes a minimum of two weeks for your tattoo to fully heal. You will know it is healed when the skin is not longer shiny or flakey. 

Allow any skin flakes or scabs to fall off naturally.

Do NOT pick at your fresh tattoo. 

Avoid sharing any aftercare products with anyone.

Avoid direct sunlight and tanning for at least 2 weeks after getting tattooed. The sun will age your tattoo and your skin faster than any other factor. I recommend SPF once your tattoo is fully healed.