Inkadd Tattoo Studio

Keep the bandage on for at least six hours. If the dressing feels secure and comfortable, we recommend leaving it on overnight. If you take the bandage off before bed, be sure to clean your tattoo afterward following the steps in the next section.

There's a chance your tattoo will still bleed the first night. Overnight, blood may dry and stick to your clothing or bed linens. If this happens, remove the fabric with care. Do not yank it off. If it won't come loose, gently moisten the area with warm water and slide it off.

In the first few days a new tattoo may 'weep' a thin, moist layer of plasma and ink. Gently dab this with a fresh paper towel by pressing, don't wipe or rub it. Don't panic if some colour appears on the towel or your hands while cleaning; that's just excess ink leaving the surface.

Wear dark clothing and use darker towels and bedsheets to prevent stains.

Make sure your hands are clean before you start, and have some unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with exfoliants, moisture beads, or fragrance.

• Remove the bandage and tape carefully. If it's sticking to the tattoo, moisten gently with warm water and slide it off.
• Lather your hands with soap and warm water. On a fresh tattoo, avoid washcloths, bath towels, and sponges.
• Clean the tattoo gently in circular motions until all plasma and ointment are gone.
• Rinse gently until the skin is free of debris.
• Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel, then air dry for at least 10 minutes. Do not scrub.
• Once dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin. Gently rub it in and dab off any excess with a clean paper towel.

Apply only a very thin layer so your tattoo can breathe; too much can 'suffocate' it.

For the first two to three days, clean your tattoo this way once a day in the shower.

There's no need to re-bandage, but remember it's still a wound and can be infected by dirt and bacteria while uncovered. Try not to touch it against any surface directly.

For the first 5–7 days, or until your tattoo begins to flake or peel like a sunburn, apply Aquaphor or Bacitracin 2–3 times a day (keep it mild!).

Once peeling starts, switch to a standard fragrance-free moisturizer like Lubriderm for another two weeks.

Within 2–4 weeks your tattoo should be fully healed.

If you have very sensitive skin, lotion may cause breakouts; simply reduce how often you apply it each day.

Your tattoo may itch or form flaky scabs after the first few days. Do not pick or scratch; the scabs will fall off on their own. Picking can pull out pigment and stop your tattoo healing properly. Keep it hydrated and the scabs will gradually disappear.

• Use clean towels, bedding, and clothing throughout the healing process.
• Showering is fine, but do not soak your tattoo for at least two weeks: no swimming, baths, or prolonged submersion.
• Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks. After that, apply sunblock (SPF 50+) on your tattoo whenever you're in direct sun; the sun will fade it over time.
• Wear loose clothing (ideally cotton) over a fresh tattoo and avoid tight items like bra straps and waistbands. Sweaty, tight, or dirty clothing can hinder healing.