Healed with Intention
Why Tattoo Aftercare is a Ritual, Not a Routine
Your tattoo isn’t just ink in skin—it’s a story, a memory, a piece of art you wear every day. And like any meaningful work of art, how you care for it matters.
When you leave my studio, you take home more than a design—you take home a living piece of creativity that deserves attention, patience, and reverence. I pour time, experience, and precision into every line and shade. My job doesn’t end when you stand up from the table—it continues through the healing process, and that’s where you become part of the art.
Here’s how to care for your tattoo with the respect it deserves:
1. Honor the First Few Days
That initial wrap? It’s there to protect you, not just the tattoo. Keep it on for the time I recommend (usually 24–48 hours). When you remove it, wash your hands, and gently clean the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free, non-alcoholic soap. Don’t scrub—let the water do most of the work. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
✧ Think of this stage like the moment after planting a seed—it’s delicate, full of potential, and needs nurturing to grow right.
2. Keep It Moisturized, but Don’t Suffocate It
Use a thin layer of the aftercare balm I provide or recommend—something gentle, fragrance-free, and breathable. Apply it a couple of times a day or as needed when the tattoo feels dry. Your skin should not look greasy or shiny after moisturizing. Too much ointment can suffocate the skin and prolong healing, or even cause breakouts.
✧ Moisture is key, but moderation is everything.
3. Let It Flake. Let It Peel. Hands Off.
As your tattoo heals, it will itch, flake, and peel—this is normal. Avoid picking or scratching at the skin, even if it’s tempting. Picking can pull pigment out of the skin and disrupt the design. Trust your body to do what it needs.
✧ Good healing looks imperfect before it looks incredible. Trust the process.
4. Avoid Pools, Sun, and Sweat—for Now
No swimming, hot tubs, long baths, or heavy sweating in the first couple of weeks. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound, and water or bacteria exposure can cause infection or fading. Also, direct sun is your tattoo’s enemy. Keep it covered or protected until it’s fully healed—and after that, sunscreen is your best friend.
✧ Your tattoo was built to last, but only if you treat it like the permanent artwork it is.
5. Follow Up—Yes, Really
If you ever have questions or something feels off, please reach out. Healing is individual, and no question is too small. A touch-up is sometimes needed—and if it is, I’d rather you bring it back than let it heal halfway. I care about your healed piece as much as the day I finished it. Because of that, I always include one free touch up in the price of your new tattoo.
✧ Please do not be afraid to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I am here for you.
Your Tattoo Is a Collaboration
Choosing to get a tattoo from me means choosing a collaboration. You bring your story, I bring my craft—and when it comes to aftercare, your part is just as essential. When clients trust my process, take aftercare seriously, and value the time we both invest, the result is something stunning and lasting. These are the kinds of clients I love working with.
Your skin tells your story. Let’s make sure it heals beautifully.