Your new tattoo will take between 2-4 weeks to fully heal; every tattoo is different! Fineline tattoos with minimal shading can take 1-2 weeks while larger, more colorful tattoos can take the full 4 weeks. The first few days your tattoo will be irritated, swollen, and/or warm to the touch. This is normal. By the 4th or 5th day, your tattoo will begin to flake and peel. Do not pick or scratch at it. Once the flaking is done, the skin will be shiny for a few more weeks until it settles.

After the tattoo, I will put a bandage on that should stay on for at least 4 hours. I do not generally use second skin as some people may have an allergic reaction to it. After the bandage comes off, it's time for the first wash. I recommend unscented, liquid soaps such as Dr. Bronner's Baby Soap. Under warm water, gently wash your tattoo. Pat dry with fresh paper towels. Allow to air dry for ~20 minutes until fully dry. Apply a thin layer of a water-based unscented lotion, like Lubriderm. Just enough to moisturize it. Repeat until fully healed and flakes are gone, around 2-4 weeks. Wear loose fitting clothing that covers your tattoo while outdoors and sleeping.

Avoid: Rivers, lakes, pools, hot tubs, oceans, and baths (but please, take a shower.) Petroleum-based ointments like Aquaphor and Vaseline Pet dander (just wash your tattoo if you get dander on it.) Picking and scratching scabs