Congrats on your new tattoo! Here’s how to care for it for the best results
If saniderm/tegaderm, second skin, clear adhesive bandage is used, keep it on for 48 hours. Any other bandage should be removed 4-6 hours after your appointment.
Once your bandage is removed, clean the tattoo with warm water and a mild unscented soap (perfumes may irritate the tattoo).
After it is cleaned, pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.
You do not need to rebandage the tattoo. Just let the area breathe and keep it clean and dry.
Depending on the size and detail of the tattoo, bleeding/weeping may last into the following day.
A bandage with blood, ink and plasma is normal.
Some flaking and minor scabbing. Itchy and dry skin is also expected.
Bruising can occur, especially in sensitive spots (inner bicep, elbow ditch, inner thigh etc).
Tenderness, typically for 2-4 days depending on size and placement.
Apply unscented lotion as needed. Keep the tattoo clean, dry and out of direct sunlight.
With any moisturizer or balm, A little goes a long way.
There is no specific brand we require you to use. Any type of lotion that is light and unscented is perfect.
If scabbing occurs:
Do not pick or scratch the scabbed skin.
Allow scab to heal on its own. The tattoo will heal fine if it is undisturbed.
Keep tattoo as clean as possible. Basic hygiene is your best friend.
There is no need to re-bandage as the tattoo needs to breathe.
If the area becomes itchy, tap don’t scatch. You can also apply a light amount of unscented lotion.
What to expect for your first tattoo?
It’s very important to have a nutritious meal ahead of time and a good night’s rest.
Tattoo pain is very subjective and varies between individuals. The best description is a mix between a cat scratch and a sunburn. Some locations for tattoos can be more painful/sensitive (I.e. Chest, Feet, Ribs).
The length of the tattoo session can also be a factor in pain tolerance. If you are planning to use any numbing products, please let your artist know so we can help you choose the best product and provide instructions for use.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the area being tattooed. Be mindful that tattoo ink may end up on your clothing.
House of Eve Tattoos has nipple pasties, privacy barriers, and covers to provide you comfort for discreet areas.
Feel free to bring some water/drinks and some snacks, especially for those longer sessions. A blanket, or warm fuzzy socks can be comforting too!
We are more than happy to accommodate and answer any questions you may have ahead of your appointment. We aim to provide a safe, informative, and of course fun first tattoo experience!
Things to Avoid:
- Direct sunlight
- Soaking tattoo in water (ie. long baths)
- Chlorine (ie. hot tubs, swimming pools)
- Vaseline, body butter or other thick moisturizers
- Scratching or picking the fresh tattoo
- Tanning
If you have any questions or concerns, please get in contact with your artist, or contact the studio directly.
Plasma vs. Pus- what to look out for
Scabs on tattoos tend to either be the color of the ink OR a yellowish color. Assuming proper aftercare is being followed, the clear yellow-ness is plasma and NOT pus.
Plasma is full of white blood cells and created by your body to promote healing, so this fluid is a normal part of the healing process.
Pus will be thicker, with a far more opaque appearance.
If you have concerns and are unsure, send a picture of the tattoo as it heals and our artists can help!