The majority of our clients experience a smooth heal by following our aftercare instructions and dedicating a few minutes each day to caring for their new tattoo.

Our Favorite Product

We always stock Hustle Butter packets ($5), 1oz tubs ($15) & 5oz tubs ($24) in the studio!

Walk-in hours to purchase are Wednesdays–Saturdays 10AM–6PM

We also recommend unscented lotion as another moisturizing option.

Troubleshooting Your Healing Tattoo

My Tattoo Has Bumps:

Small bumps or a rash around a healing tattoo can sometimes be caused by skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

Possible causes include:

  • A reaction to Saniderm or other adhesive bandages, especially when bumps or redness appear around the edges or adhesive area
  • A reaction to numbing cream, which may cause irritation or bumps throughout the tattooed area
  • Sensitivity or an allergic reaction to certain ink pigments
  • Irritation from products like Hustle Butter (coconut or mango allergy), excessive moisture, or friction

If you develop significant swelling, hives, spreading redness, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek medical attention.

If you're unsure what's causing the reaction, contact us and send us a photo so we can help guide you on the next step.

My Tattoo Is Red, Swollen, or Tender:

Some redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling are normal during the first few days after getting tattooed. Larger tattoos or heavily worked areas may experience more swelling and tenderness.

These symptoms should generally begin improving as your tattoo starts to heal.

If the redness or swelling is getting worse instead of better, spreading beyond the tattoo, becoming increasingly painful, or doesn't seem normal to you, please reach out to us. We're happy to take a look and help determine whether you should seek medical care.

I Think My Tattoo Is Infected:

Signs that may indicate an infection include:

  • Redness that continues to spread or worsen
  • Increasing swelling, heat, or extreme pain
  • Yellow or green pus-like weeping
  • Red streaking extending away from the tattoo
  • Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell

A healing tattoo can naturally be red, tender, warm, and produce a small amount of clear or lightly colored fluid during the early healing process, so not every symptom means your tattoo is infected.

If you suspect an infection, contact us ASAP so we can take a look. If your symptoms are consistent with an infection, continue to worsen, or you begin feeling unwell, we will recommend you seek care from a medical professional.

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions:

  • 🩹 SANIDERM

    • Most clients will leave with a Saniderm adhesive bandage applied
    • Keep it on for 5–7 days
    • Ink, blood, & plasma collecting underneath is normal
    • Remove sooner if the bandage begins to peel off, leaks, fills with water, or causes redness, bumps, or irritation
    • To remove, gently stretch the bandage parallel to your skin under warm running water (don't pull straight up)
    • Peeling skin left on the bandage after removal is normal

  • 🩹 CLING WRAP

    • Some tattoos may be wrapped with seran/cling wrap instead of Saniderm, depending on placement, skin sensitivities, or artist preference
    • Cling wrap is designed for short-term protection only and should be removed after 24 hours
    • Once removed, gently wash your tattoo with an unscented soap, pat dry, and begin your normal aftercare routine of washing & moisturizing

  • 🧼 AFTER BANDAGE REMOVAL

    Once your Saniderm or cling wrap has been removed, begin the following aftercare routine:

    • Wash your hands before touching your tattoo
    • Gently wash your tattoo with unscented soap & warm water
    • Pat dry with a clean paper towel (do not rub)
    • Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer or a higher quality tattoo product like Hustle Butter
    • Continue washing and moisturizing 2–4 times daily until it’s 2 weeks healed.
    • Once healed, continue moisturizing daily to keep the tattoo vibrant and hydrated.

  • 🚫 AVOID

    • Swimming, baths, hot tubs, lakes, oceans for at least 1 month
    • Picking, scratching, or peeling your tattoo
    • Excessive sweating the first few weeks
    • Tight clothing or skin friction that rubs the area
    • Lots of sun exposure, even once fully healed

  • ⚠️ WHEN TO REACH OUT

    Contact us if you experience:

    • Excessive redness or swelling
    • Scabbing
    • Increasing pain or tenderness
    • Yellow or green discharge
    • Fever or signs of an allergic reaction

Need Help?

If you’re concerned about your healing or have any aftercare questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Call or Text Us