Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare

Thanks for trusting Ingram Arts. We follow Oregon best practices for safe healing. Please follow the instructions below and anything your artist told you at the appointment.

When you leave the studio

  • Your tattoo is covered with either a padded bandage or a transparent adhesive film (Saniderm/Tegaderm-style). Don’t touch or peek until it’s time to remove it.
  • Wash hands before any contact. Keep pets, gym equipment, and dirty surfaces away from the area.

Option A — Padded Bandage

  1. Remove after 2–6 hours (your artist may specify a time). If it sticks, moisten the bandage with lukewarm water and peel gently.
  2. Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a plain, fragrance-free soap. Use your fingertips—no washcloths or loofahs. Rinse thoroughly.
  3. Dry by patting with a clean paper towel. Let air-dry 10–20 minutes.
  4. Ointment (Days 0–2/3): Apply a very thin layer of a tattoo ointment or gentle occlusive (e.g., Aquaphor/A&D without zinc or a tattoo-specific product) 2–3× daily. “Shiny, not greasy.”
  5. Lotion (Days 3–14): Switch to a fragrance-free lotion 2–3× daily as the tattoo peels. Keep it lightly moisturized—don’t overdo it.

Option B — Adhesive Film (Saniderm / Tegaderm)

  1. Keep the first piece on 12–24 hours. Some fluid buildup under the film is normal.
  2. To remove: Peel the film back slowly under warm running water. Wash with fragrance-free soap and rinse well; pat dry and air-dry 10–20 minutes.
  3. Apply a fresh piece of film that extends ~1" beyond the tattoo on all sides. Do not apply ointment or lotion under the film.
  4. Wear the second piece 3–5 days. If the seal lifts, it leaks, or a lot of fluid collects, remove, wash, and apply a new piece—or switch to the padded-bandage aftercare above.

What’s normal

  • Mild redness and warmth for 24–48 hours.
  • Light oozing the first day, then flaking/peeling (like a sunburn) around days 3–7.
  • Itching—don’t scratch. Tap gently or moisturize.

Do not

  • No soaking (baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, ocean) for 2 weeks. Quick showers are fine.
  • No picking, peeling, or shaving the area while it’s healing.
  • Avoid heavy sweating, friction, or tight gear that rubs the tattoo for the first few days.
  • No alcohol, peroxide, or antibiotic creams on the tattoo.
  • No direct sun or tanning beds while healing; after it’s healed, use SPF 30+ on it—always.

Allergies & sensitivities

  • If the adhesive film causes intense itching, burning, or a rash, remove it immediately, wash, and continue with the padded-bandage method.

When to seek medical advice

  • Spreading redness or hot skin after 48 hours, foul odor, thick yellow/green drainage, fever/chills, or red streaks from the tattoo.

Questions? Use the Contact page and we’ll help.