AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

If you have trouble downloading the aftercare instructions, contact your tattoo artist or the shop and we will send you a copy.  Click here fordownloadable (PDF) aftercare instructions.

TATTOO SERVICE AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

You’ve just received a tattoo from a licensed tattoo artist. While we take every precaution to ensure proper care before and during your procedure, it is your responsibility to follow appropriate aftercare during the healing process. A new tattoo is a wound that requires time to heal.

If you have any questions or comments during the healing of your tattoo, please contact Newport Tattoo at:

 (541) 264-8359 or info@newporttattooshop.com or contact your tattooist directly.

REGULAR BANDAGE:

Day 1: Remove the bandage in 2 hours. Wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented soap using your fingertips only (no washcloth). Do not apply ointment today. Do not re-bandage the tattoo.

Day 2-14: Wash 3 times a day. Apply a small amount of ointment (not lotion) after each wash. Less is more; you do not want to oversaturate the tattoo, as this will result in a wound that may not heal and/or heavy scabbing.

Day 15-30: If there are no scabs (flakes or dry skin only), you can switch from ointment to unscented lotion.

CLEAR BANDAGE (not suitable for anyone with an adhesive allergy):

Week 1: Leave the bandage in place for 3-7 days. It is normal for blood/fluids to collect under the bandage. The fluid may turn dark; this is normal. If the fluid pools and the bandage risks leaking, you should remove it early. Remove while running warm water over it to help loosen the adhesive. Wash immediately with an antibacterial soap and follow the aftercare steps above under “regular bandage.”

Week 2: Wash 3 times daily, applying a small amount of ointment after each wash for 1 week. Do not oversaturate.

Week 3-4: If there are no scabs (flakes or dry skin only), you can switch from ointment to unscented lotion.

RESTRICTIONS:

Keep the tattoo away from animals, bodily fluids, chemicals, and irritants until healed. Introducing bacteria, germs, or other irritants to the healing wound can cause serious complications, ranging from damage to the tattoo to infection.

Showering is fine, but do not submerge the tattoo in water (e.g., pools or tubs) or expose it to direct sunlight/tanning beds for 2 weeks. Do NOT expose a healing tattoo to rivers, lakes, or bodies of water that may contain bacteria.

DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH THE TATTOO AT ANY POINT during the healing process to minimize the risk of scarring. This includes peeling or brushing off any flaky skin, scabs, etc.

POSSIBLE REACTIONS (during): Pain, tingling, lightheadedness, sweating, thirst. This is a normal reaction but be sure to inform your tattooist immediately if you begin to feel lightheaded or have tunnel vision. Blood and/or bruising may be visible during the procedure, depending on the area tattooed. Some people’s skin is more sensitive than others, and you may also experience swelling.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS (after): Tenderness, tightness, itching, swelling, redness, bruising, heat. It is normal for a tattoo to be sore, swollen, and/or bruised for several days. Ice can help with swelling, redness, and pain. Be sure to put a clean cloth or paper towel between the ice and your skin, and do not leave it on for more than 30 minutes at a time. If you are in excessive pain or have severe bruising, swelling, or heat radiation, contact the shop and/or your tattooist for further advice.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: Infection or allergic reaction are possible during any wound-healing process. It is important that you keep the tattoo clean and protected during the healing process. Call or message the shop if you notice any signs of infection, such as excessive pain, redness, swelling, blisters, seeping fluids, and/or pus, for further advice.

updated 2/2026