We use extended-wear film on most tattoos. Leave it on for three to five days unless your artist tells you otherwise. To remove it, peel from the corners under running water and liquid soap. Do not pull the film off dry. After removal, follow the wash and lotion steps on your aftercare sheet.
After you remove the extended-wear film, wash with your hands and gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap. Lather well. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Your artist walks you through this before you leave. Wash daily during healing, and again if the tattoo gets dirty.
Use fragrance-free moisturizer. Apply a thin layer after each wash. Your tattoo should not look wet. More product is not better. If lotion sits glossy on the skin, wipe lightly and use less next time. Avoid heavy petroleum products unless your artist says otherwise.
Surface healing takes about two to three weeks. Deeper skin layers can take up to three months to fully settle. During the first week you may see redness, oozing, and tight skin. Week two often brings peeling and itching. Normal, not a reason to panic. Follow the aftercare sheet and avoid picking scabs.
No pools, hot tubs, lakes, or ocean swimming until your tattoo is fully healed. Usually at least two to three weeks, often longer. Water introduces bacteria and softens healing skin. Quick showers are fine. Keep showers short and avoid direct high-pressure spray on the tattoo.
Yes. Peeling and itching are normal parts of healing. Do not scratch or pick. Slap lightly near the area if itching is intense. Keep lotion light. Peeling skin may look dull. That is temporary. Fresh color returns as layers shed. If you see thick yellow crust, spreading redness, or fever, contact a doctor and call us.
Yes. Your tattoo should not look wet after lotion. A thin layer is enough. Over-moisturizing can clog pores and slow healing. During the two to three week healing window, moisturize daily but do not pile product on. Scale back if skin feels greasy.
Avoid sun, pools, hot tubs, saunas, heavy gym friction, picking scabs, dirty environments, and thick greasy products piled on the skin. Do not let pets lick the tattoo. Do not ask random forums for medical advice. Call us or a doctor. Poor aftercare can cause ink fall-out and scarring that a free touch-up will not cover.
Fragrance-free liquid soap and fragrance-free moisturizer. That is what our Extended Wear aftercare sheet calls for. Pick products you can find locally and stick with them through healing. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, mention that at your session or consultation.
Yes. Every client leaves with our Extended Wear Tattoo Aftercare sheet: remove, wash, lotion, keep clean, continue care. Your artist may add placement-specific notes for sleeves, feet, or large color pieces. Follow your handout first. This page matches that sheet. Call if anything looks off during healing.