Tattoo Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for the healing and longevity of your new tattoo.

Standard Aftercare

After removing your bandage, gently wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap. Let the skin air dry for 10 - 20 minutes before applying a thin layer of your preferred moisturizer. I recommend using a light moisturizer that spreads easily, such as coconut oil or unscented lotion. For the next two weeks, apply a thin layer of moisturizer twice per day. When it comes to moisturizing tattoos, less is more. The tattoo will flake and peel throughout the healing process, but don't panic, this is 100% normal.

Things to Consider

  • DO NOT pick or scratch at your tattoo while it is healing, this can cause ink fallout.
  • NEVER touch your healing tattoo with unwashed hands.
  • AVOID direct sunlight during the healing process and DO NOT go to the tanning bed, sauna or put sunscreen to a healing tattoo.
  • AVOID submerging or soaking in water—showers are good, but baths, pools and oceans are a no-no.
  • DO NOT shave over a fresh tattoo— wait until it is completely healed.

Neglecting tattoo aftercare can result in a serious infection and harm the final appearance of your tattoo. If you have aftercare questions or concerns, please email contact@n333dles.com

Derm Shield Aftercare

If I used derm shield for your tattoo the aftercare will be a bit different. You need to keep this bandage on for 3 days. There will likely be a murky liquid forming inside the film, this is just excess ink and plasma so you have nothing to worry about. When it's time to remove the film, you need to do so in the shower under warm water. Peeling it off raw is painful and will result in a big mess. Follow the aftercare instructions I explained above for cleaning and moisturizing, after the film is removed.

  • DO NOT attempt to drain the liquid, however, if the film breaks or becomes unsealed, remove the film and start the recommended aftercare process.
  • DO remove the film if you notice heavy irritation around the skin.

Long-Term Care

While a tattoo is typically healed after 4 weeks, it's important to continue taking care of them. We recommend wearing sunscreen on healed tattoos when in direct sunlight and applying lotion regularly. If you would like to schedule a touchup send an email to contact@n333dles.com