General aftercare instructions
- Remove Dri-loc bandage after 1–4 hours (times may vary depending on individual circumstances).
- Wash hands thoroughly for 30 seconds before touching new tattoo.
- Gently massage an antibacterial/fragrance-free soap and warm water into the tattoo until fully cleaned.
- Rinse with warm water and let air-dry for approximately one hour.
- After one hour has passed, wash hands first and then the tattoo the same way as listed above.
- Gently dry tattoo with a paper towel.
- Sparingly apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare product.
- Sparingly apply recommended aftercare product 3 to 4 times per day for 3 to 4 days or as directed by your artist.
- After three days, use a fragrance-free lotion — such as Lubriderm, Curel or Coconut oil, etc. — and apply 3 to 4 times per day for at least the following two weeks.
Important information for a healing tattoo
- Illnesses, blood disorders, skin conditions and allergies to ink, ointments, lotions, soaps, or adhesives could increase the risk of infection or complications in the healing of the tattoo.
- Soaking an unhealed tattoo in ANY form of water — including bathtubs, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, oceans, pools, or waterparks — will adversely affect the healing of the tattoo and greatly increase your risk for infection.
- Exposing the unhealed tattoo to tanning beds or the sun will adversely affect the healing of the tattoo and can increase your risk of infection, irritation, etc.
- If fabric of any sort adheres itself to your unhealed tattoo, do not pull the fabric away. Generously wet the fabric using warm water from a clean water source (sink or shower) until the fabric easily and painlessly removes from the tattoo. If the fabric is pulled away without water, it will increase the risk for scabbing, irritation, loss of color, and may increase healing time.
- Tattoos typically peel and flake similar to a sunburn. This is completely normal and appropriate. If scabbing occurs, do not pick or remove any scabs. Continue caring for the tattoo as directed and it will heal normally. Removing scabs wil drastically increase the healing time and could increase the risk of infections and complications.
- Do not over medicate your tattoo. Overuse of recommended aftercare products can adversely affect the healing of your tattoo and increase the likelihood of infection and irritation.
- Exercise and gym activity are fine. Keep the tattoo covered with your normal clothing if working out on gym equipment. You do not want to expose your healing tattoo to unnecessary bacteria, germs, chemicals or other irritants that may be present on gym equipment. Afyer ANY sort of workout or exercise, check your tattoo and clean it immediately. Stay away from activities like sand volleyball, wrestling, or other abrasive or extreme contact sports.
- Tattoo aftercare may change based on individual or varying circumstances. It is important to follow any and all instructions given by your tattooer to ensure the best healing of your tattoo.
- Do not be afraid to contact your tattooer or Hummingbird tattoo Studio with questions. We are here to help you! Your tattoo carries the Hummingbird name! We always strive to give the best possible tattoo as well as service.
- If you have questions about a healing tattoo, please contact Hummingbird Tattoo Studio. Everyone heals differently so there is potential for questions and issues to arise. Tattooers are NOT medical professionals. If you feel your concerns/issues over the healing tattoo may warrant medical attention, please seek such advice.
Download aftercare Instructions (PDF).