Gauntlet

Aftercare

Looking after a fresh piece.

Your artist will give you specifics for your tattoo. The notes below are the studio's general guidance — keep this page bookmarked for the first two weeks.

Healing, day by day.

  1. Day 0

    The first night

    Leave the wrap on as instructed (typically 1–4 hours, or overnight if Saniderm). Wash hands before unwrapping.

  2. Days 1–3

    The clean window

    Gently wash 2–3× a day with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. Pat dry. Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser.

  3. Days 4–10

    Peeling + flaking

    Skin will look like a sunburn that's healing. Itchy and flaky is normal. Do not pick or scratch. Keep moisturising lightly.

  4. Weeks 2–4

    Final healing

    The tattoo settles into the skin. Avoid pools, hot tubs, and direct sun. SPF 30+ once fully healed.

Do

What to do.

  • Wash gently with lukewarm water + fragrance-free soap, 2–3× per day.
  • Pat dry with a clean towel — never rub.
  • Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser. Less is more.
  • Sleep on clean sheets and switch your pillowcase often that first week.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo.
  • Drink water, eat well, and let your body heal.

Don't

What to avoid.

  • Pick, scratch, or peel — even when it's itchy.
  • Soak in baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, or the ocean for at least two weeks.
  • Apply petroleum jelly, scented lotions, or anything thick and greasy.
  • Expose the tattoo to direct sun until fully healed; SPF 30+ after.
  • Let pets walk on or sleep against the fresh tattoo.
  • Re-wrap with cling film overnight unless your artist told you to.

When to call us

Most tattoos heal beautifully — here's what's not normal.

  • Spreading redness or heat

    A small ring of pink around the tattoo for the first day or two is normal. Redness that spreads outward, gets warmer, or develops red streaks is not.

  • Discharge that's yellow or green

    Clear plasma is normal in the first 24–48 hours. Coloured discharge, especially with a smell, is not.

  • Fever or swollen lymph nodes

    If you feel feverish or notice swollen glands near the tattoo, get a doctor on the phone the same day.

  • Pain that's getting worse, not better

    Soreness should taper after the first 2–3 days. If it's escalating, call us at (226) 647-8286.