For The Duration of Healing

The initial healing process lasts about 2-3 weeks or until free of scabbing/flaking. Make sure to:

• Keep your tattoo and the surrounding area clean

• With clean hands, apply a thin layer of lotion several times daily when the tattoo is noticeably dry, tight, or cracking. Be careful not to over-moisturize, as this can disrupt the proper healing of the tattoo. Scabs should not be moist! Allow the skin to breathe

  • I recommend applying a thin layer of Aquaphor for the first day or two and switching to an unscented lotion such as Gold Bond Healing Lotion with Aloe or cocoa butter until fully healed

  • Avoid scab disruption by using thin layers of lotion and dabbing until absorbed

• Avoid touching your tattoo other than during cleaning

• Never submerge the tattooed area in water of any kind (unless showering) for at least three weeks

• Never pick or scratch your tattoo

• Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight - Sunburns and UV rays will damage your fresh tattoo

• Do not apply sunscreen until your tattoo is fully healed

Removing Your Bandage & Cleaning Your Tattoo

These steps are crucial to ensure your tattoo heals properly!

• Leave your fresh tattoo bandaged for 2-5 days*

• With clean hands, carefully peel the bandage off under warm running water or in the shower

• Wash the tattoo gently using fragrance-free soap, your clean fingertips, and warm running water (I recommend a bar of Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap or antibacterial soap)

• Rinse the tattoo and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Cloth towels can contain harmful bacteria

• DO NOT use any abrasive items to wash/dry your tattoo - no loofahs or washcloths

• DO NOT wipe/scrub your tattoo when drying - gentle pats only

• Never re-bandage your tattoo (unless directed by your artist). This may trap unwanted bacteria that can cause infection if not done properly

• After cleaning, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor for the first day or two and switch to an unscented lotion

It’s normal for your tattoo to feel itchy. It is also normal for skin containing pigment to flake off. Solid black fill tends to take longer to heal than line work. Do NOT attempt to remove flaking scabs. The best way to help itchiness is by gently slapping your tattoo. Picking at scabs will cause uneven lines and patchy fill

Wear soft, loose, and comfortable clothing over your tattoo while it’s healing to avoid excessive rubbing. After the tattoo is healed, always use a sunblock! Exposure to sun unprotected will cause your tattoo to fade

*Plasma/blood forming underneath the bandage is completely normal. Mild bruising, heat, and redness around the tattoo are also normal. However, if the bandage causes painful irritation/rashes, you can remove it early. Redness and intense burning around the edges of the bandage is a sign it should be removed early

Please contact Ziggy by email at ziggy@hardeasytattoo.com or direct message @ziggy.tatts on Instagram if you have any further questions or concerns!