The first day
Leave the bandage on for as long as I tell you at the studio. When you take it off, wash your hands first. Then wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap, using only your fingertips.
Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub. Then apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion. A little goes a long way, and too much can cause problems.
The first two weeks
Wash the tattoo once or twice a day and keep applying a thin layer of lotion. Around days four to seven it will probably start peeling like a sunburn. That is normal. Do not pick, peel, or scratch it. Let the flakes come off on their own.
Itching is normal too. If it itches you can tap it lightly, but do not scratch. Wear clean, loose clothing over the area so nothing rubs against it.
What to avoid while it heals
Until your tattoo is fully healed:
- No soaking in water. That means no pools, lakes, hot tubs, or baths. Quick showers are fine.
- No direct sun on the tattoo for the first few weeks.
- No scented lotions or anything with added color or fragrance.
- No picking at scabs or peeling skin. You can pull ink out with it.
- No tight clothing rubbing the area.
How long healing takes
The surface usually heals in two to four weeks. The skin underneath keeps settling for longer than that.
While it heals, the tattoo can look cloudy or faded under the new skin. That is normal, and the color comes back as the skin settles. If it still looks dull or irritated after a month, message me.
When to message me
Some redness, tenderness, and swelling in the first few days is normal, as long as it is getting better and not worse.
Message me if you see thick yellow or green discharge, spreading redness, red streaks, or if you develop a fever. Those can be signs of infection, which needs medical attention.
Keeping it looking good for years
Once your tattoo has fully healed, sunscreen is the single best thing you can do for it. Sun is what fades tattoos most. Put SPF 30 or higher on any tattoo that sees daylight.
Keep your skin moisturized. Healthy skin holds ink better and keeps lines looking crisp longer.
How to book
Fill out the request form on my booking page with your idea, where it’s going, roughly how big, and any reference photos. I read every request myself and reply with any questions, a price estimate and open dates. I tattoo at Revival Tattoo Studio, 5911 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, Iowa.
Questions about tattoo aftercare
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually heals in two to four weeks. Do not judge it by the calendar alone: it should no longer be peeling, scabbing, or tender before you consider it healed.
Can I shower after getting a tattoo?
Yes. Quick showers are fine once the bandage is off. Avoid soaking the tattoo, and do not aim very hot water directly at it.
When can I go swimming after a tattoo?
Not until it is fully healed, usually at least two to four weeks. Pools, lakes, hot tubs, and baths can all introduce bacteria into healing skin.
Why does my new tattoo look faded?
A thin layer of healing skin forms over the tattoo and can make it look cloudy or dull for a few weeks. This is normal. The color shows through clearly again once the skin settles.
Is it normal for a tattoo to peel and itch?
Yes. Peeling like a sunburn between roughly days four and fourteen, plus some itching, are both normal parts of healing. Do not pick or scratch.
When can I put sunscreen on my new tattoo?
Once it has fully healed and all peeling has stopped, usually after two weeks. Until then, keep it out of the sun entirely.