Traditional Aftercare

  • Step 1

    Carefully remove bandage after 2-6 hours! Gently wash off all vaseline & plasma using unscented soap and running water. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue is left on skin.

  • Step 2

    Air dry or pat dry, using a paper towel or clean towel — Do not rub abrasively

    Do NOT apply any moisturizer

  • Step 3

    Continue to wash with unscented soap & water twice daily (Once in the morning, once at night) or more often if needed (if someone touches it, if you get dirty/sweaty etc).

    Please make sure that you are gentle when cleaning your tattoo, do not scrub at it!

  • Step 4

    After 4-5 days, your tattoo will become dry, cracked and flakey, at this point it usually will start to get itchy.

    Do NOT pick or scratch at it!

    If the itchiness becomes unbearable you may apply small amounts of unscented moisturizer after washing both your hands and your tattoo!

    If you are not itchy, or not bothered by the itchiness, it is not necessary to apply moisturizer.

While Healing

 

    • The gym/exercise for 3-4 days

    • Submerging it in water for minimum 2 weeks (this includes baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes etc. —Showering is fine!)

    • Direct sunlight for 4 weeks (After 4 weeks make sure to use sunscreen when outside)

    • Touching it for any reason other than to clean it or apply moisturizer.

    • Picking/Scratching

    • Shaving, waxing, sugaring until fully healed & no longer flaking.

    • If your tattoo is sore & swollen after leaving, an icepack applied to the area can help alleviate some of the discomfort and swelling! If icing after bandage removal, please ensure that the icepack is wrapped in a clean towel!

    • Moisturizing is not necessary, however, if it is applied, please use thin layers and wash your hands first! Again, DO NOT moisturize until the tattoo is cracked, flakey and dry (Usually around 4-5 days).

  • While it is unlikely for a tattoo to become infected if you follow proper aftercare, anything can happen! Bacteria is all around us, so there are some important signs to watch out for!

    • Excess swelling/redness after the first initial few days

    • Radiating pain, redness and heat/warmth persisting after several days

    • Bleeding/oozing

    (While the three of these are normal for the first couple days, if they are persistent and worsening please seek medical attention with a healthcare professional.)

    • Fever

    • Green or yellow discharge

    • Firm bumps, rash or red streaks

    If you are experiencing any of the remaining symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention!

    Winnipeg Health Links 204-788-8200