The healing process
Step 1 of 6 · Day 1
Day 1
Day 1
Leave the bandage on overnight.
Keep the initial covering in place until the following morning — don’t peek early.
The next morning
Wash gently in the morning.
Carefully remove the bandage and wash with Tea Tree bar soap, available at Whole Foods or in the Nature’s Market section of Kroger.
Every wash
Pat dry, don’t wipe.
Use a clean paper towel and pat the area dry — wiping can irritate fresh skin.
Days 2–4
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor.
Rub in until fully absorbed, 2–3 times a day for 3–4 days.
After day 4
Switch to a fragrance-free lotion.
After 3–4 days, stop using Aquaphor and switch to a fragrance-free, aloe-free lotion — we suggest Curel or Lubriderm. Use 2–3 times a day for several weeks or until fully healed.
Weeks 2+
Protect it once healed.
Apply sunscreen if you’ll be outside for an extended period, to keep the tattoo from fading.
What to avoid
Pick at scabs, soak your tattoo, or swim
Expose it to direct sunlight or tanning
Let pets or children near the tattoo while it heals
Touch-ups are for tattoo imperfections, not for poor aftercare.