Aftercare Instructions

Caring for Your New Tattoo is Essential.

That fresh tattoo is a healing piece of art. We’ve laid out everything you need to keep it clean, comfortable, and looking bold and bright for years to come.

The first 24 Hours

The hardest part is over!

Leave the covering on for 24hrs. We start you with a waterproof breathable film, a little fluid building up underneath is completely normal.
Remove the covering gently. Peel the second skin bandage back slowly under warm running water — it lifts off far more easily and comfortably that way.
Clean it softly with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, gentle soap. Use your fingertips, not a cloth. No scrubbing.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub, and skip the bath towel (it holds bacteria).
Wash your hands first. Always, before you touch the tattoo.
Moisturize with aftercare balm. We carry and recommend Hustle Butter as a non petroleum luxury option. Popular over the counter options are A&D or Aquaphor. Less is more — the skin should look lightly conditioned, not shiny or smothered.

Days 2–14: healing

Your tattoo will go through a few stages over the next two weeks. Peeling and itching are normal.

Wash gently 2–3 times a day with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, then pat dry.
Moisturize with aftercare after each wash, and any time it feels tight or dry.
It will peel and flake like a sunburn — let it. Don't pick, scratch, or peel it.
No soaking. Skip pools, the ocean, lakes, hot tubs, and long baths until it's fully healed.
Showers are good — just don't aim the stream directly at it, and keep them shorter.
Keep it out of direct sun while it heals. No sunscreen on a fresh tattoo yet.
Wear loose, clean, breathable clothing over the area so it can settle without rubbing.

Once it's healed

Come back and let us check it out! We like to make sure that it looks the way it should and get some healed pics.

When to reach out

Some redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness in the first few days are completely normal. Trust your gut, though — please contact us, or a doctor, if you notice:

We would always rather hear from you. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your healing.

Or call the studio at (401) 324-5168.

Recommended Products

We use and recommend Hustle Butter during and after your session. It’s vegan, petroleum-free, and gentle on healing skin. A little goes a long way.

Tip we stand behind: skip thick petroleum-based ointments like Vaseline. They can trap moisture and bacteria against a fresh tattoo.

Aftercare FAQ

How long does healing take?

Approximately 14 days. While healing you will experience peeling and itching. Try not to pick or scratch. Just moisturize it, keep it clean.

Can I go in the ocean or pool?

Not until it's fully healed. 2 weeks at the absolute minimum. Soaking a fresh tattoo puts it at a high risk of infection and fading.

Ready for your next tattoo?

We’re here to bring your vision to life. Experience the care and quality we provide before, during, and after your session. Let’s create something amazing together!