Tattoo Aftercare

☪ Keep your recovery bandage on for 3-5 days, depending on how your tattoo is healing and how much plasma or ink buildup occurs underneath. The bandage is water resistant, breathable and designed to protect your tattoo during the most critical stages of healing.

☪ It's normal to see some fluid (plasma, ink) under the bandage. This is part of the healing process. However, if the bandage leaks, lifts at the edges or feels overly irritated, its okay to remove it early.

☪ Remove the bandage by peeling off gently under warm running water. Wash your tattoo with plain, antibacterial soap immediately upon removing the bandage. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let air dry.

☪ Once your tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of tattoo balm or lotion. Do not over moisturize, your tattoo needs to breathe.

☪ Wash and moisturize at least twice a day until your tattoo is fully healed, usually 2-4 weeks.

Important things to avoid

☪ No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs, natural bodies of water) for at least 2-3 weeks

☪ No direct sun or tanning beds for at least 3 weeks

☪ No scratching or picking at scabs or flakes

☪ No heavy sweating or intense workouts for the first few days, especially with the bandage on.

Healing Timeline

☪ Days 1-3

Your tattoo may feel warm, tight or slightly swollen. The first 3 days are critical in the healing process. It is most important and beneficial to leave the protective bandage on your tattoo for at least 3 days

☪ Days 4-10

Flaking and peeling is normal. Your skin is regenerating. Be sure to keep the tattoo moisturized throughout this phase.

☪ Weeks 2-4

It may look slightly dull or textured as deeper layers continue healing.

☪ After 4 weeks

Typically fully healed after 4 weeks, you can return to normal skincare and sunscreen routines.

Tattoo Healing & Infection Awareness

While tattoo infections are uncommon when proper aftercare is followed, it's important to know what normal during healing and what signs may indicate a problem. Your body is doing a lot of work to heal and being informed helps protect your new artwork and your health.

What's normal during healing :

☪ Mild redness around the tattoo for the first 1-3 days

☪ Light swelling or tenderness

☪ Slight warmth in the area initially

☪ Itching or flaking skin after bandage is removed (like a sunburn peeling)

☪ A thin scab or light drynesss

These are typical signs that your body is healing.

Signs of possible infection:

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may indicate your tattoo is becoming infected:

☪ Redness that spreads or worsens after 3+ days.

☪ Intense swelling or skin that feels hot to the touch

☪ Throbbing pain that increases rather than decreases

☪ Yellow, green or foul smelling discharge

☪ Hard, raised skin or pus filled bumps

☪ Fever, chills or feeling unwell

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us at sondertattooco@gmail.com or seek medical advice.

Ways to lower infection risk:

☪ Keep your tattoo covered with sterile recovery bandage during the first few days

☪ Wash your hands before touching your tattoo

☪ Follow aftercare instructions carefully

☪ Avoid dirty environments, especially in the first 2 weeks

☪ Wear loose, clean clothing to prevent rubbing or irritation