Aftercare

Fresh tattoos are open wounds and need to be treated with care to avoid infection and limit scarring. Always wash your hands before touching your healing tattoo.

1.  leaving the Studio

  • Your tattoo will be covered with a second skin dressing or film wrap.

  • If you are using film wrap, please keep your tattoo wrapped until home & ready to clean but do not keep it on for longer than 2 hours.

  • If you are using a second skin dressing like saniderm (or any similar product), please do not tamper with the bandage until ready to remove in 2-4 days. If the second skin peels back and exposes the tattoo, or if you get a bubble of liquid, remove the dressing and cleanse the tattoo.

Day 1-3

  • Keep the tattoo clean and protect it from contact with contaminated surfaces.

  • Refrain from moisturizing for the first two days after the tattoo.

  • Second Skin dressings can be left on for up to 4 days if it is nice and dry underneath.

    • Remove the dressing under warm water, use soap to help remove the adhesive.

    • Pull the dressing back parallel to your skin, NOT straight out, to limit trauma to the skin

    • If you show signs of redness that conforms to the shape of the dressing, this signals a reaction to the dressing, remove promptly it if this occurs.

    • Wait until the tattoo stops exuding plasma before beginning to moisturize to avoid creating an overly moist environment.

Day 4-20

  • You can now switch over to a dye free, fragrance free, healing lotion

  • Continue to keep the tattoo clean and moisturized.

  • Continue to keep yourself well hydrated!

2.  Washing & Cleaning

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before touching the tattoo site.

  • Gently remove the covering and wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap. Use fingertips, not cloths or sponges. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow to air dry. 

  • Change your bed sheets, towels and any other linens often. Only use clean towels on your tattoo for the initial healing period of 1-2 weeks. 

3. Moisturizing

  • The goals of moisturizing is to keep the scabs supple and prevent cracking. It can sometimes help relieve itching.

  • If the tattoo is moist, refrain from moisturizing. Too much moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance‑free, hypoallergenic moisturizer (e.g., Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Aveeno) or tattoo-specific lotion—not petroleum-heavy products like Aquaphor.

  • Keep moisturized 2–3 times daily as needed to soothe dryness.

4. Washing & Moisturizing Schedule (Days 1–14+ or until healed)

  • Clean the tattoo gently 1-2 times daily and apply moisturizer afterward.

  • Avoid over-moisturizing—skin should feel supple but not overly greasy. 

5. Peeling & Healing

  • Expect your tattoo to peel or flake after several days—this is normal.

  • Do not scratch or pick at scabs or peeling skin, to prevent ink loss or scarring.

  • If your tattoo is itchy, sometimes an ice pack or a short hot shower can relieve the sensation.

  • Balance the moisture of the healing tissue, too much or too little can cause irritation.

6. Water Exposure & Activities

  • Showering is fine, but no soaking or submerging in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or hot springs for at least 2–4 weeks or until fully healed.

  • Avoid activities or clothing that may cause excessive sweating, friction, or rubbing on the tattoo.

7. Sun Protection & Clothing

  • During healing, avoid direct sun or tanning beds entirely. After healed, always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to preserve color. 

  • Wear loose, clean clothing and bedding, free of lint, dust, or pet hair, especially during the first week. 

8. What to Expect as You Heal

  • Week 1

    • The first couple days, expect mild oozing, swelling and redness that improves daily. Scabbing will begin. Normal to feel discomfort similar to a sunburn.

  • Week 2

    • You will experience itching and flaking, continuing until all layers of the dead skin and scabs have fallen off.

  • Week 3

    • Your tattoo will appear healed, deeper layers of the skin are still healing. Please continue to stay hydrated and moisturize your tattoo for the best outcome.

9. Warning Signs of Infection or Allergic Reaction

  • If you notice any of the following , immediately seek medical attention:

    • Spreading redness, swelling, prolonged tenderness

    • Yellow or green discharge (pus), foul odor

    • Persistent fever, chills, nausea or lymph streaks

    • Rash, blistering, or signs of allergic reaction to ink or aftercare products.

10. Other Important Information

  • Please contact Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1100 with any concerns.

  • Horn & Heart Tattoo is a licensed body art facility approved by Boulder County Public Health Department.

  • As always, feel free to reach out with questions, or send me a picture of your tattoo if you want. Text or call 970-485-1176 for fastest response.