Aftercare
Healing is half the tattoo.
Your work leaves the studio finished. Whether it stays that way depends on the next four weeks.
Day by day
- Day 1
Leave the wrap on as long as instructed — usually 2 to 24 hours depending on the bandage used. Wash gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, pat dry with paper towel, and leave it open to air.
- Days 2–3
Wash twice daily. Apply the thinnest possible layer of ointment — the tattoo should look matte, not shiny. Expect tenderness, warmth, and some plasma weeping.
- Days 4–7
Flaking and tightness begin. Switch to a fragrance-free lotion. Do not pick, scratch, or peel anything that isn't ready to leave on its own.
- Days 8–14
Heavy peeling, then a shiny or waxy look as the new skin comes in. Itching is normal — tap, don't scratch.
- Weeks 3–4
Surface healing is essentially done. Color may look slightly cloudy; this settles.
- Weeks 5–8
Fully settled. This is when to assess for a touch-up — and when to book it.
Normal
- Redness and warmth for the first few days.
- Clear or ink-tinted plasma weeping early on.
- Peeling, flaking, and intense itching in week two.
- A cloudy or dull look before the skin fully settles.
Not normal — call her
- Spreading redness, streaking, or heat that worsens after day three.
- Thick yellow or green discharge with a foul smell.
- Fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
- A rash, blistering, or hives around the site.
- Areas that scab thick, crack open, or lose ink in patches.
Signs of infection need a medical provider, not a tattoo artist — go be seen, then call (984) 227-4358 so she knows.
Use
- Fragrance-free liquid soap.
- A thin layer of tattoo-specific ointment or plain healing balm.
- Fragrance-free lotion once flaking starts.
- SPF 30+ — but only after it's fully healed.
Avoid
- Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and antibacterial ointments.
- Scented soaps, oils, and tea tree.
- Pools, hot tubs, lakes, and long baths.
- Direct sun and tanning beds while healing.
- Tight clothing over the piece and gym equipment on it.
Touch-ups
Your first touch-up is included.
Book it between 5 and 8 weeks after your session, once the skin has fully settled. Touch-ups on work damaged by sun, picking, or neglected aftercare are quoted as new work.
Next step
Healing not looking right?
Reach out any time during your heal — Destiny would rather hear from you early than late.
Opens your email app. Destiny personally replies to every inquiry — please allow up to 24 hours.