AFTER CARE INSTRUCTION

Tattoo After-Care Instructions

1. Immediately after your session

• Keep the bandage on your new tattoo for the duration recommended by your tattoo artist (and/or the manufacturer of the bandage).

• When you remove the bandage: under cool running water (a shower works well), gently clean the tattooed area with mild soap and cool water.

• Pat dry the area with a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth. Do not rub.

2. Ongoing care (first days to weeks)

• Avoid re-bandaging the tattoo unless your artist advises you to do so. A bandage can stick to the healing tattoo and may damage it.

• It’s normal for plasma (clear fluid) to collect underneath the bandage or for mild scabbing/flaking to occur. Do not pick, peel or scratch at any scabs or flakes — allow them to fall off naturally.

3. Avoid the following until fully healed (approx. 2-4 weeks)

• Direct sun exposure or tanning of the tattooed area.

• Submerging the tattooed area in water such as baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, or salt water. Showering is fine (as long as you avoid prolonged soaking).

• Scratching, rubbing, or using abrasive scrubs on the tattoo area.

• Letting the tattoo area stay damp or covered with tight, non-breathable clothing for large periods.

• Applying products not recommended (e.g., heavy petroleum jelly, strong moisturizers with fragrance/dyes) without your artist’s approval.

4. Signs you should contact a professional

• The tattoo site becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, or painful (beyond the expected healing discomfort).

• Pus or unusual discharge appears from the tattoo site.

• You develop a fever shortly after the tattoo session. Information provided by Michigan law says clients must be advised to seek medical attention if the site becomes infected or painful, or if there is a fever.

• Excessive bleeding or any allergic reaction (rash, hives) develops.

• You notice any unusual change in the appearance of the tattoo (for example, heavy fading, patchy healing) — discuss this with your tattoo artist.

5. General timeline & expectations

• Healing time varies, but for many tattoos the approximate healing time is two to four (2-4) weeks.

• The surface of the skin may look healed sooner, but full healing beneath the skin may take longer. Continue gentle care until your artist confirms full healing.

Please remember: These are general guidelines only. At your appointment at Ink Station Tattoo your artist will review after-care in greater detail, tailored to your specific tattoo, placement, skin type, and any custom factors. They’ll be your best resource if you have questions or concerns.