Aftercare Instructions

It is important to follow after-care instructions diligently in order for your tattoo to heal safely and aesthetically. Clients are strongly advised to plan restful days immediately following their sessions in order to facilitate this. During these days, the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce swelling*. You are also encouraged to wear looser-fi tting clothing and sleep in freshly-washed bed sheets to keep your tattoo clean. You are always welcome to contact your artist with questions regarding aft ercare, however, keep in mind that your artist is not responsible for the healing outome of your tattoo.

*consult with your doctor before using medication.

Immediate Steps to Follow

Following the procedure, expect your tattooed skin to feel tender and the wound to be seeping plasma, blood, and excess ink. Your artist will dress the tattoo in a clean bandage that is both breathable and absorbent. You may wear the bandage while you sleep during the first night with your new ink. In some cases, you artist may send you home with an additional bandage for you to change into so as to better absorb the fluid. Before re-bandaging your tattoo, you must always clean it properly first. After the first day of healing, wearing a bandage is no longer necessary.

Scabbing and Finishing your Heal

Beginning around day 3 or 4 of your healing process, a scab will form over the tattoo and the area may become itchy. Washing the tattoo is no longer necessary at this point. Instead, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 2-3 times a day. Do NOT over-lotion your tattoo. While moisturizing will benefi t the tattoo, too much can cause prolonged healing and loss of saturation of the ink in your skin. Additionally, do NOT pick or scratch off the scabs. Let the scabs come off naturally and allow an additional week or two for the ink to settle and for your top layer of skin to return to its natural appearance.

Additional Tips & Tricks When Healing

• Do not use antibacterial ointments nor Aloe Vera on your tattoo.

• Avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight.

• Do not swim in bodies of water including but not limited to lakes, oceans, pools, and baths.

• Avoid excessive sweating caused by exercise, saunas, etc. Moisture in excess promotes the growth of bacteria.

• Avoid overstretching your freshly tattooed skin with activities such as weight-lift ing and yoga.

• Do not scratch your tattoo if it itches while scabbing. You may try diminishing the itchy sensation by briefly applying a dry, clean ice pack to the skin’s surface.

Maintaining the Look of Your Tattoo

Prolonged exposure to the sun will diminish the vibrancy and sharpness of your tattoo over time. You can counter the eff ects of UV rays which break up the pigment by adopting the habit of applying sunscreen to your tattoo once it is fully healed. Th ough some opt for touching-up tattoos after long periods of time, many tattoos age gracefully and do not need to be reworked if skin is cared for and healthy.

Can I Contact You With Questions?  

Yes. Contact your artist with questions regarding aft ercare, especially in cases of infection or allergic reaction, however keep in mind that Dark Water and your artist are not responsible for the healing outcome of your tattoo.

In the event you cannot reach your artist, please contact
info@darkwater.ink for assistance.