Aftercare

1.  After 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.

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.

    • If you get a puddle of plasma and ink that builds up under the second skin, or if it peels up to the point where the tattoo is exposed, remove the dressing.

    • 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.

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

  • 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.

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

    • You will experience 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.

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.