Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

You just spent time and money getting the tattoo of your dreams by one of our amazing artists at Blue Bird Tattoo, but now what? Now it’s time to make sure it heals properly. There are definitely things you can do to ensure that your tattoo heals and looks great for years and years and years. Let’s get into it.

Do

• Follow your specific artist’s after care instructions. 📝

  • Every artist tattoos a little differently, so the way they ask you to care for the tattoo is what they've found to get the best possible results for their work. 

  • Listen to their instructions. If you have questions ask your artist directly - do not ask Google, Chat GPT, or your friends. Trust your artist. 

    
    

• Let your artist know the moment you feel like anything is going wrong or you are unsure of something 🫤

  • We can spot issues before they become a problem

  • Catching something early is ALWAYS better so ask right away

    
    

• Shower 🚿

  • Showers are fine after your tattoo, just no long hot showers 

  • If you are using recovery derm or a similar second skin type bandage, long hot showers will loosen the adhesive and cause it to come off early. 

  • Stick to quick, get in get out showers for as long as your artist recommends

    
    

• Drink water 💦

  • Staying hydrated might not seem important after the tattoo is done, but it’s going to help speed up the healing process 

    
    

• Check in with us 💬

  • Let us know how it healed up! We love to hear back from clients.

    
    

• Leave us a 5 star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • If your experience was great and you love your new tattoo, do us a favor and write a review 

  • Great reviews help more people find us so we greatly appreciate you taking the time to write one

Don’t

• Go swimming for as long as your artist recommends 👙

  • You risk infections and slow the healing process

  • You risk chemical irritation

  • You could experience fading and ink loss

• Use hot tubs or take baths 🛀

  • Again, for as long as your artist recommends and for similar reasons as above

    
    

• Bake in the sunlight or in tanning beds ☀️

  
  

• Use just any lotions, ointments, medications, spray tans, etc.

  • Only use the recommended cleanser and moisturizer on your tattoo

  • It is an open wound and should be treated as such

  • Recovery derm or second skin type bandages may be recommended by your artist to help keep it protected and clean 

  • After your tattoo is fully healed, use SPF to keep it looking fresh

    
    

• Allow pets to lick or come in contact with the tattoo 🐕 

  • Gross, but you know that if it’s being said then it has happened before 

    
    

• Smoke 🚭 

  • You smokers out there might be rolling your eyes, but smokers’ tattoos take DOUBLE the time to heal than a non smoker. 

  • This isn’t backed by science (that I’m aware of) but it is backed by my own experience as a former smoker. It used to take me 1-2 months sometimes to heal my tattoos, and now I’m fully healed in just about 2 weeks. Every time. Take it or leave it, that's just my advice. 

    
    

• Pick at your tattoo 🙅🏼‍♀️

  • If you get any scabs or dry flaky skin, just leave it alone! 

  • If you pull it off before it's ready, you will absolutely remove the ink with it. Just dont do it!

    
    

• Forget to tell your friends about us 📣

  • If you had a great experience and you love your tattoo, please share with everyone! 

  • Take a picture, post it on social media, and tag us. This helps your artist broaden their reach so much!

We want you to love your tattoo forever! Following these instructions and your artist’s advice should keep your tattoo in great shape. We’re always here to help if you have more questions. Also, give us a follow on Instagram for two reasons:

1. We post some pretty fun content (seriously funny content actually)

2. We post helpful, educational content as well 😉