Tattoo Care

At Zenith Tattoo, we provide a comprehensive guide to the process of getting a tattoo, including pre- and post-tattoo care, safety tips, and advice on how to take care of your tattoo for the long-term. We know that this is a big decision, as a permanent piece of art on your body, so we want to make sure it lasts!

Preparing for Your Tattoo

Before getting your tattoo, it's important to properly prepare your body and mind.

To prevent bad sessions, here are a few tips to making sure you have a great session.

Please show up hydrated! This is important in preventing dry/flaky skin and also helps prevent you from feeling faint.
Moisturizing is key. In the days leading up to your appointment use a good moisturizer, but it’s best not to use immediately before session, as residue could interfere with the tattoo process
Shower. Your artist will clean your skin before starting, but you want make sure your skin is as clean possible. Tattooing creates small cuts and opens the skin up. You do not want dirt from other areas of your body coming in contact with this area.
Eat something! Tattooing causes trauma to your system and you need energy to react to this trauma. Not eating could lead to the process being more painful and can cause feeling lightheaded because of a blood sugar drop. We suggest protein and complex carbs. These will give you longer lasting energy because your body takes longer to break them down.
Bring snacks, especially if you are someone that deals with low blood sugar. We suggest fruit, granola bar, nuts, or cookies.
Dress for comfort. This will make your session go much smoother and be a better experience for you and your artist.

Healing Your New Tattoo

Taking care of your new tattoo is crucial to ensure it heals properly and looks its best. Our aftercare instructions provide thorough information you need to keep your tattoo looking vibrant and healthy.

Standard Bandaging

Day 1-3

Leave your bandage on for at least 2 hours
Remove bandage and DO NOT re-bandage
Wash your hands before gently washing the tattoo with warm water and a mild, unscented, liquid, antibacterial soap
Rinse tattoo and gently pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel
Apply a small amount of Aquaphor (or similar) to the tattoo. Put enough to moisturize without being glossy on the surface. Remove excess with a clean towel.
Repeat washing instructions 2-4 times per day for at least 3 days. Do not over-wash. Regular showering is fine. Do not submerge the tattoo for an extended amount of time until it has healed - this includes baths and swimming.
Drink water!
DO NOT use alcohol-based disinfectants, Neosporin, petroleum jelly, oils, etc.

Day 4-20

For the remainder of the healing process, use dye-free, fragrance-free, healing lotion instead of Aquaphor (like Hustle Butter, Lubriderm or Aveeno Unscented moisturizer, Tattoo Goo, After Inked). Continue to keep tattoo clean and moisturized and continue to drink water.

Second Skin or Saniderm

Your artist may use saniderm or "Second Skin" after your tattoo is complete. These care instructions are slightly different.

Day 1-4

Leave the covering in place and clean around the tattoo. This can be worn in the shower. If edges start to peel, trim the bandage, and if tattoo is exposed, follow the care instructions above.

Day 3-4

“Second skin” is typically removed in the 3-4 day mark. We recommend running the area under water while you peel back the adhesive layer. Make sure your hands are clean before getting started.

To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid. When you stretch the bandage it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and taking any ink with it. Cleanse the area and allow the skin to dry before applying dye-free, fragrance-free, healing lotion.

Day 4-20

Same care instructions as standard bandaging above.

What to Expect When Healing

The healing process depends on the size, how intricate the tattoo is, and your overall health. Bigger tattoos will stay red and swollen longer because the increased trauma to your skin. Most tattoos heal in 2-3 weeks.

Week 1: You will experience oozing, swelling, and redness that improves daily. Scabbing will begin.

Week 2: You will experience itching and flaking, continuing until all layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off.

Week 3: Although your tattoo will appear healed, deeper layers of skin are still healing. Please continue to stay hydrated and moisturize your tattoo.

Do's and Don'ts

DO use clean bed linens and bath towels throughout the healing period
DO keep your tattoo out of the sun for the first few weeks of healing. When the tattoo is completely healed apply a good SPF sunscreen on the tattoo to prevent fading.
DO NOT use anything on the tattoo other than what is previously recommended.
DO NOT pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo. Doing so will most likely result in unwanted scarring and increased risk of infection.
DO NOT under any circumstance use rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or cortisone on your new tattoo.
DO NOT use sponges, washcloths, or anything abrasive while cleaning your tattoo. They harbor bacteria and may irritate or harm your tattoo.
DO NOT let anyone touch your new tattoo.
DO NOT go in a lake, tub, pool (salt or chlorine water, including hot tubs) until your tattoo is completely healed. These all contain bacteria.
DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. This includes tanning beds. A high SPF sunscreen will protect the crispness/longevity of your tattoo in the future.

Side Effects

NORMAL reactions are swelling, pain, and bruising/discoloration. You may also have rash-like reactions to shaving, ink, or adhesives
ABNORMAL reactions include excessive swelling, infection, fever, illness, and allergic reactions. Your tattoo shoulde only feel as sore as a sunburn. Consult your physician a the first signs of any adverse reaction

Long-term Care

Maintenance is vital to preventing the ink from degrading. Although you don’t have to worry about infection after the first 3-4 month, you still want to care for you tattoo.

Stay hydrated. Proper water intake supports health and improves skin elasticity
Prevent sun damage. Always apply sunscreen and consider wearing sun-protective clothing.
Avoid rapid weight gain or loss as these rapid fluctuations can stretch or distort the tattoo.
Moisturize. Dry skin can make a tattoo look blurred or faded. Keeping your skin moisturized is your best bet for a fresh look. Remember to apply it every day.

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