Tattoo Care

As a valued client of our studio we would like you to be fully informed of the importance of proper aftercare for your new tattoo.  You play the biggest role in how well your tattoo will look today, tomorrow, and for years to come.  

Proper care and attention should be followed to insure proper and timely healing.

 When your tattoo procedure was done, it was done in a clinical environment; using autoclave sterilized

equipment, and sterilized one-time use needles.  Even the chair you sit in is disinfected with hospital grade disinfectant before and after each client.  The Macomb County Health Department & The State of Michigan Department of Community Health supervises our entire operation.


Generally, infection, delayed healing, and prolonged irritation occurs due to a lack of care and cleanliness on the customer's behalf. During the next few weeks it is important to follow proper care instructions and use common
sense about the environment you expose your new body art too.

If you donate blood you may resume doing so one month after the procedure is complete (for more information,
contact the American Red Cross). You may also need this aftercare sheet when you go.


signs of trouble include: (and what to do about them)

  • Severe Inflammation from the tattoo site 72 hours after the initial procedure.  Please visit the studio.

  • Swelling from the tattoo site 48 hours after the initial procedure.  A visit to the studio is in order.

  • Localized tenderness from the tattoo site 72 hours after the initial procedure. Please visit the studio

  • Pus/Bloody discharge.  A visit to your doctor or clinic is suggested

  • Fever.  A visit to the doctor in order.

  • Pain radiating from the site more than 72 hours after the procedure. A visit to the studio is in order.

  • If red lines are coming from the tattoo and moving away from the tattoo site you must visit a doctor immediately, this is a sign of a serious infection.  

If you experience: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a feeling that your mouth or throat is swelling closed (this is extremely rare) Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately!

Supplies You Will Need:  Liquid Hand Soap (unscented) & Unscented Lotion 

Transparent Dressing Aftercare

-Transparent adhesive dressing helps protect the tattoo from bacteria and other elements for the best possible healing.

-Keep the dressing on for 3-5 days. You can shower with it, try not to soak the area too much, it will weaken the adhesive. Avoid taking baths or swimming.

-You will see a buildup of blood and plasma mixed with ink under the dressing, this is perfectly normal. If there’s an excessive amount of buildup, you may remove the dressing after 24 hours.

-Once you remove the dressing from your tattoo, make sure to gently wash it with unscented antibacterial soap and pat or air dry for 15 min.

-Once the dressing is removed please follow the standard aftercare to ensure the best healing.

-Apply unscented lotion (Aveeno or light equivalent) to the tattoo as needed to keep it lightly moist.

-When you remove the dressing carefully peal it off in a slow and steady rolling motion (do not rip it off) It is best to remove your dressing in the shower.

What should I expect?:

 -You may experience what seems to be a secretion or ink “coming out” of the skin.  This is normal and means it is time to repeat the cleaning process.   Ink may also transfer onto clothing, and bed sheets. 

-Do not pick, scratch, itch, or peal your new tattoo.  Skin pealing (like from a sunburn) is a completely normal part of the healing process.

-The key to success with tattoo aftercare is simply keeping it clean and lightly moist.  
-A dried out tattoo may scab and cause a loss of color.

*The studio is not responsible for failure to follow aftercare instructions. Tattooing is not a perfect science; therefore we offer a one free touch up with
the original artist.  An appointment is required to confirm artist availability and must be scheduled within 3 months of the tattoo date.

When can I swim? & Other Important Reminders:        

-DO NOT immerse in water until fully healed (Pool, Lake, Ocean, Jacuzzi, or Bath) [A shower is OK]

-Typical Base Heal Time for Most Tattoos is 3-6 weeks. 
Although healing times are estimated and can vary dramatically from person to person.

-Do NOT use antibiotic ointments; pain relieving creams, cortisone/steroid cream or hydrogen peroxide. 
Using these products will ruin the healing process and ruin the quality of the tattoo!

-It is important to avoid tanning or direct sunlight on your fresh tattoo for at least 45 days. 
When tanning in the future it is important to apply high SPF sunscreen or cover the tattoo.
Exposure to UV light will gradually fade your tattoo, this effect is most apparent during the first few months.


When can I swim? & Other Important Reminders:             

  • DO NOT immerse in water until fully healed (Pool, Lake, Ocean, Jacuzzi, or Bath) [Yes, A shower is OK]

  • Typical Base Heal Time for Most Tattoos is 3-6 weeks. 
    Although healing times are estimated and can vary dramatically from person to person.

  • Do NOT use antibiotic ointments; pain relieving creams, cortisone/steroid cream or hydrogen peroxide. 
    Using these products will ruin the healing process and ruin the quality of the tattoo!

  • It is important to avoid tanning or direct sunlight on your fresh tattoo for at least 45 days. 
    When tanning in the future it is important to apply high SPF sunscreen or cover the tattoo.
    Exposure to UV light will gradually fade your tattoo, this effect is most apparent during the first few months.


    Should you have any questions please contact us! We’re here to help