Leave with a plan.
Confirm when to remove or replace your dressing with the artist. Timing depends on the dressing used. If it leaks, comes loose or irritates your skin, contact the artist for guidance.
THE INK IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Aftercare.
Look after what you carry. Follow the instructions given at your appointment, especially for your specific dressing.
Clean hands. Gentle care.
Wash your hands before touching the area. Once the dressing is removed as instructed, gently wash with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean disposable towel; do not scrub.
Keep it comfortable.
Use a thin layer of the fragrance-free moisturiser recommended by your artist. Avoid heavy layers. Wear clean, loose clothing that does not rub the area.
Let it heal.
Do not pick, scratch or peel flaking skin. Avoid swimming, soaking, saunas and friction while healing. Ask your artist when you can return to activities that rub or stretch the area.
Keep the sun off.
Keep the healing tattoo out of direct sunlight. Once fully healed, use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher when exposed to sunlight. Avoid tanning beds.
Know when to get help.
Worsening redness, increasing pain, pus, fever or chills can signal infection. Get medical advice promptly. Difficulty breathing or severe swelling needs emergency care. Do not rely on an artist to diagnose a medical problem.
Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology — tattooed skin and signs of a reaction.