Your tattoo is a fresh wound. The way you treat it over the next few weeks determines how it heals — and how it looks for the rest of your life. These are Andy's instructions. Follow them exactly. If something doesn't look right, text before you Google.
Day 1 — First 24 Hours
Hours 0–24Leave the wrap on
Andy will wrap your tattoo before you leave. Leave it on for at least 2 hours — but do not leave it on longer than 2 hours. Remove it, let the tattoo breathe, and do not re-wrap it. If he used a second-skin bandage (Saniderm / Tegaderm), leave it on for 24 hours.
First wash
After removing the wrap, gently wash the tattoo with water as hot as you can stand and unscented antibacterial soap (Dial Gold works great). Use your fingertips only — no washcloths, no loofahs. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Never rub.
First moisturize
Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo balm. Less is more — if it looks shiny and wet, you've used too much. A little goes a long way.
Let it breathe
Don't re-wrap after the first wash unless you're sleeping. Wear loose, clean clothing that won't rub the area.
Days 2–7 — The Peeling Stage
Days 2–7Wash 2–3 times a day
Keep washing gently with unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry each time. Don't skip this — bacteria is the enemy right now.
Moisturize after every wash
Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion every time you wash, and whenever the tattoo feels tight or dry. Keep it moisturized but never suffocated.
Expect peeling and itching
This is completely normal. The top layer of skin will peel like a sunburn — this is the excess ink and dead skin coming off. Do NOT pick, scratch, or peel it. Let it fall off on its own.
If it itches — tap, don't scratch
Gently tap or pat the area to relieve itching. Scratching can pull out ink and cause scarring. This is one of the most important rules.
Weeks 2–4 — Deep Healing
Weeks 2–4Keep moisturizing
Even after the peeling stops, the skin underneath is still healing. Continue moisturizing daily until the skin feels fully normal again — usually 3–4 weeks total.
It may look dull or cloudy
Don't panic. A thin layer of skin will grow over the tattoo during this phase, making it look a little faded or milky. This is completely normal. It will clear up.
Sun protection
Once fully healed (after 4 weeks), apply SPF 50+ sunscreen any time the tattoo will be exposed to sun. UV rays are the #1 cause of tattoo fading over time. Protect it.
Do
- Wash with unscented antibacterial soap
- Pat dry with clean paper towels
- Moisturize with unscented lotion
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Sleep on clean sheets
- Keep it out of direct sunlight while healing
- Stay hydrated — healthy skin heals faster
- Text Andy if something doesn't look right
Don't
- Pick, scratch, or peel the skin
- Submerge in pools, lakes, hot tubs, or the ocean
- Take long hot showers directly on the tattoo
- Use scented soaps, lotions, or Vaseline
- Let pets lick or sleep on the tattoo
- Shave over it while healing
- Tan or expose to direct sun
- Re-wrap after removing — never re-wrap
When to Seek Medical Attention
Some redness, swelling, and warmth in the first 48–72 hours is normal. However, contact a doctor if you notice: excessive swelling or redness spreading beyond the tattoo, pus or discharge, red streaks coming from the tattoo, a fever, or severe pain that gets worse instead of better. These can be signs of infection. And text Andy too — (304) 890-9355.
Soap
Dial Gold (unscented antibacterial). Available at any drugstore or Walmart.
Lotion
Lubriderm Unscented, Aveeno Unscented, or any fragrance-free daily lotion.
Sunscreen
SPF 50+ once fully healed. Apply any time the tattoo is exposed to sun — forever.