Aftercare

Aftercare Instructions

If you left the studio with *non*-adhesive wrap (plastic wrap) on your fresh tattoo, remove the wrap within a few hours so the tattoo can breathe. Immediately after removing the wrap, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial unscented (or a mild natural unscented) soap. Follow the instructions below.

If you left the shop with an adhesive bandage (saniderm/tegaderm/second skin) on your fresh tattoo, you may leave it on for up to 24 hours. Leaving the bandage on for up to 3 days is also common and you may do so at your own risk. Or you apply a new bandage a second time after following washing instructions and letting air dry. Remove gently using lukewarm water and soap for the adhesion to loosen. Start peeling from one corner and pull towards the direction of the opening rather than away from the skin. Wash immediately with lukewarm water and antibacterial unscented soap. Follow the instructions below.

During the first 7 days it’s best to avoid activities that would cause excessive sweating or bacteria and debris getting on the tattoo. If engaging in activities where outside bacteria could get on your tattoo such as sports, using gym equipment, or involving sawdust or excessive particles of any kind, be mindful and cover the tattoo with protective and breathable, non abrasive clothing item or a temporary cover for up to 10 days after receiving the tattoo only during said activities. Repeat washing steps below throughout the day as needed.

Washing Steps:

Wash your hands before touching your fresh tattoo in any way to avoid introducing bacteria.

Wash your new tattoo 2-3 times per day with a mild fragrance-free soap for the first 2-3 weeks. (Avoid over washing as this could dry out or over saturate the healing skin and disturb the healing process)

Gently wash your tattoo using your hand to let any coagulated excess ink or plasma to fall away, do not scrub or exfoliate. Rinse and pat dry with a clean (paper)/towel, please do not rub or scratch at any point during the first 2-3 weeks.

  • Do not submerge your new tattoo in water such as a bath, hot tub, pool or any body of water (ocean, lake etc) for at least 14 full days. **Showers are ok, please avoid scalding hot water.**

  • Avoid soaps or sprays containing alcohol and do not use alcohol or peroxide on a fresh tattoo as this will slow down the healing process and cause excessive scarring and to lose ink. To keep from infection, the best practice is keeping the area clean and away from outside bacteria by following aftercare instructions.

  • Avoid abrasive materials like jewelry or certain clothing items that can rub on your tattoo. Avoid loofahs and other exfoliant material.

  • Be careful around animals and pets to avoid bacterial contamination or scratching.

Allow your clean tattoo to air dry for 5-10 min before applying any aftercare products.

  • Avoid any products that contain petroleum as it can prevent proper healing due to trapping excess moisture and blocking oxygen. 

  • Do NOT use alcohol, peroxide or products like neosporin on your healing tattoo.

  • Please avoid sun exposure on your new tattoo for the first 3 weeks. Use sunscreen after 3 weeks and onward to protect and preserve the tattoo against sun damage.

Do not pick at any scabs or peeling skin— let it heal and shed on its own. Avoid allowing the healing tattoo/scabbing to become oversaturated with water or other moisture as this will disturb the natural healing process therefore causing scarring.

Use a thin layer of a tattoo artist recommended aftercare product. Less is more when it comes to topical application. You may use lotion on the tattooed area *after* 2 weeks. Jojoba oil is a great natural oil you can use for your healing tattoo. You can find this at a natural food store or local pharmacy. Be sure to check ingredients to see it is 100% jojoba oil not mixed with any other oils.

Avoid saunas and steam rooms for the first 4-6 weeks to preserve your tattoo. 

  • Wear loose and breathable clothing while healing to ensure the least amount of friction possible while the tattoo is healing (2 weeks).

  • Please resist itching your tattoo for at least 3 weeks as itchiness is a normal sign of healing and scratching can damage the tattoo.

Redness and swelling directly around the tattoo is normal for the first 3-5 days. It may feel like a sunburn. If you experience excessive pain, swelling or redness around the tattoo after 5 days have passed, please contact your artist via email or phone. 

Pain or redness around the adhesive bandage is an allergic reaction to the adhesive, please remove the adhesive as soon as you can safely do so if you notice this and follow washing instructions. 

Following these aftercare instructions will create the best environment for your tattoo to heal well and avoid infection.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out via email Tattooer.mo@gmail.com

Studio (text only) : 802-245-3485

Ingredients list in tattoo salve made by ‘Redemption Tattoo’ : https://www.redemptiontattoocare.com/products/lgk61rzxeixcguipi5tyirv25pi34v

Organic castor oil

Organic sunflower oil

Organic beeswax

Organic cocoa butter

Organic coconut oil

Organic vegetable glycerin

Organic arrowroot powder

Organic calendula oil

Organic arnica

Organic chamomile extract

Mo Jiwun


(They/her)

Website: Ritualtattoo.art

Instagram: @moomers.ttt // @ritualtattoo.art