Blackwork Tattoo Aftercare

Before Your Appointment: For the best results, please take these steps in the week leading up to your tattoo session:

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water.

  • Rest: Get good sleep.

  • Moisturize: Apply lotion daily to the area we will be tattooing.

Aftercare Supplies You'll Need:

  • Soap: Dial Gold antibacterial soap (liquid pump soap, not a bar).

  • Ointment: A&D Ointment, Aquaphor, or Hustle Butter. (A&D will be provided, but feel free to use your preferred product.)

  • Lotion: Unscented lotion (e.g., Palmer's Cocoa Butter).

Your Aftercare Routine: Your new tattoo is an open wound and needs to be treated with care. Once you get home, remove the bandage and follow these steps 2-3 times per day for the next 2-3 weeks. Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

  1. Gently wash the tattoo with Dial Gold soap and warm water.

  2. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or let it air-dry for about 20 minutes.

  3. Apply a thin layer of A&D ointment.

  4. After Day 3, stop using the ointment and switch to an unscented lotion until the tattoo is fully healed.

What to Expect During Healing:

  • Initial Swelling: For the first few days, swelling is normal. You can use ice and elevation to help reduce it.

  • Dryness & Peeling: Your tattoo will become dry and tight, and then it will start to peel. Do not pick at the scabs. Let them fall off naturally during washing and moisturizing.

What to Avoid: To ensure a smooth healing process, please avoid the following:

  • Picking, scratching, or touching your tattoo.

  • Bending areas with a lot of natural movement (e.g., wrists, elbows, knees) while the tattoo is healing.

  • Direct sunlight for extended periods of time.