🧼 Immediate Care (First 24 – 48 Hours)
Leave the initial bandage on for the time recommended by your artist (usually 2–6 hours).
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
Remove bandage gently and slowly with clean hands.
Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap (no washcloths or loofahs).
Pat dry with a clean paper towel (no rubbing).
Apply a thin layer of unscented healing ointment or tattoo aftercare product recommended by your artist.
🧴 Ongoing Care (Days 2 – 14)
Cleaning & Moisturizing
Wash the tattoo 2–3 times daily with mild soap.
After washing, gently pat dry and apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or the ointment your artist recommends.
Use only clean hands to touch your tattoo.
What to Avoid
Do NOT scratch or pick scabs, even if it itches.
Avoid soaking in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans until fully healed.
Avoid heavy sweating and wear loose, breathable clothing.
Keep out of direct sunlight — sun can fade and damage healing skin.
🌞 Long-Term Healing (After Day 14)
Continue to moisturize as needed.
Once healed, always use SPF sunscreen on the tattoo when exposed to sun.
⚠️ Watch for Signs of Infection or Complications
Contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following:
Excessive redness or warmth spreading out from the tattoo area
Foul odor, yellow/green pus, or severe swelling
Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
Extreme pain that doesn’t improve
🧾 Legal & Safety Notes (Philadelphia/PA)
Aftercare must be provided in writing and verbally before tattooing. Records must be maintained as part of consent forms at your shop.
Artists and establishments in Philadelphia must be certified by the Department of Public Health, and follow sanitation, BBP (Bloodborne Pathogen) training, and consent documentation procedures.
Tattooing under age 18 without parental consent is prohibited under Pennsylvania law.
❓ Questions for Your Artist
✔ Ask what products are safe to use for your healing stage.✔ Confirm how long to keep your tattoo protected from sun and water.✔ Get guidance if the tattoo is in a high-friction area (hands, feet, inner elbow, etc.).
