A tattoo is finished in the studio, but it heals at home. These are the instructions I give after every session. On a large piece they repeat after each sitting, and between sessions the work stays covered and protected while it heals.

The first night

• Keep the bandage on until the next morning.

• If you think it may come off while you sleep, remove it before bed, or as soon as you notice it has loosened.

The first wash

• Remove the bandage gently under warm running water, so it does not stick and pull at the tattoo.

• Wash the tattoo with unscented soap and warm water to remove blood, plasma and excess ink.

• Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let the tattoo air dry for 5-10 minutes.

Moisturizing

• Apply a thin layer of lotion (see the list below) to keep the skin hydrated.

• The lotion should absorb fully and not leave a greasy film.

• If a little blood appears after the lotion, dab it away with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

While it heals

• Do not re-bandage the tattoo.

• Moisturize 3-4 times a day throughout healing.

• Let it peel on its own. Do not pick, scratch or pull flakes off.

• No soaking for at least two weeks: no swimming, baths, hot tubs or saunas.

• Keep showers short and go easy on soap over the tattooed area until peeling is complete.

• No shaving or waxing over the tattoo until it is fully healed.

Eating for healing

• While the tattoo heals, add collagen-rich food to your diet. Bone broth is the simplest way, and I recommend it to everyone, whatever the size of the piece.

• Research on collagen supplements points the same way: in clinical trials on slow-healing skin wounds, collagen taken as a supplement improved healing (Sugihara et al., 2018), and a Cochrane review rates it as probably helpful for that kind of wound (Cochrane review).

Sun, now and later

• Keep the tattoo covered and out of the sun while it heals.

• After it has healed, protect it from direct sunlight and use sunblock to keep it vivid.

Lotions I recommend

• La Roche-Posay cream

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

• Saniderm Daily Lotion

• Lubriderm Lotion

When to reach out

• If you notice any unusual reaction, such as excessive redness, swelling or discharge, contact me right away.

• Any question during healing is worth asking.

Once you leave the studio, the healing is in your hands. Treat it with care, and the work keeps looking the way it was made for years to come.