Tattoo Aftercare

Recommended products:

Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap & coconut oil. That’s all folks! I like fractionated coconut oil, any brand, meant for the body and not cooking.

Other options:

Any plain, unscented lotion like Cetaphil or Lubriderm work too. I have also had good results personally with shea butter.

After Tattoo:

If plastic wrapped– Remove wrap after 1-2 hours. Wash with warm water & soap. Pat with a clean towel & air dry. Moisturize & spread thin over tattooed area. (Over-moisturizing can affect healing results and allow excess bacteria into the skin) There is no need to rewrap your tattoo.

If using a second-skin/Saniderm bandage– Keep bandage on for 3-5 days. Showering is okay. Make sure it is sealed all around and water is not entering the bandage and soaking your tattoo. Ink pools are fine but if you feel that water from your shower/bath/sweat has gotten in, feel free to remove by rolling one of the corners up and pulling gently parallel to the skin rather than away from your skin. Best to remove in the shower under running water. Wash thoroughly with warm water and soap. Pat with a clean towel or paper towel & air dry. Moisturize & spread thin over tattooed area. (Over-moisturizing can affect healing results and allow excess bacteria into the skin) There is no need to rewrap your tattoo.

How often should I moisturize?

Keep your tattoo on the dry side and only moisturize as necessary if irritated or peeling. 1-3 times per day should do it. Your body is excellent at healing on its own! Staying hydrated helps.

Always wash and dry the area before applying moisturizer with clean hands.