Tattoo Aftercare & Healing Guide

What to Expect

During the healing process, it is normal to experience:

• Swelling, redness, bruising, and/or tenderness

• For the first 24 hours: blood and clear or ink-coloured fluid (“plasma” or “slime”)

• Scabbing, cracking, dry skin, and flaking after a few days

• Itching and mild irritation

• Clothing or bedding sticking to the tattoo during the first few days

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What to Do

Bandage & First Removal

• Leave the bandage on for at least 24 hours and up to 3 days, as long as the seal over the tattooed skin remains fully intact.

• If the seal breaks at any point, remove the bandage immediately and follow the cleaning steps below.

• Remove the bandage in a warm or hot shower. Heat and steam help loosen the adhesive safely.

Cleaning

• Wash the tattoo gently with unscented soap and water only.

  • Do not use scented soaps, goat’s milk soap, or any other cleaning products.

• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

• Rinse thoroughly and remove all residue.

Drying

• Pat dry with clean paper towel or allow the tattoo to air dry.

• Do not rub with towels.

Moisturizing

• Begin moisturizing after 24 hours, or once the tattoo looks dry or tight.

• Use an unscented moisturizer only.

• Apply 1–2 times per day maximum.

• Do not over-moisturize.

General Care

• Lightly slap the area if itchy. Never scratch or pick.

• You may shower with the bandage on only if the seal remains fully intact.

• Stay healthy. Proper nutrition, hydration, and rest help your body heal.

• Keep bedding and clothing clean. Wear loose, soft fabrics.

• The less you do to the tattoo, the better it will heal.

• If small pimples appear, reduce moisturizing and/or switch to a non-oil-based product.

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What to Avoid

• Never pick or scratch the tattoo.

• Do not soak or submerge the tattoo until all scabs are gone.
  Avoid:

  • Baths and long showers

  • Saunas and hot tubs

  • Pools and natural bodies of water

• If you must enter water, additional waterproof bandages are available for purchase at GRIM Studios.

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning. UV rays cause fading, especially on fresh tattoos.

• Never use the following on a fresh tattoo:

  • Vaseline or petroleum jelly

  • Coconut, almond, or other natural oils

  • Essential oils

  • Scented moisturizers

  • Goat’s milk products

  • Dettol, Betadine, hydrogen peroxide

  • Baby oil

  • Sea salts or Epsom salts

• Do not over-clean or over-moisturize.

• Avoid tight clothing, jewelry, or friction on the tattoo until fully healed.

• Do not apply perfumes or makeup to the tattoo until fully healed.

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When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Fever

• Tattoo becomes hot to the touch

• Red, spider-web-like veins spreading from the tattoo

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or blurred vision

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Thank You

Thank you for choosing GRIM Studios.
We hope you had a great experience and look forward to seeing you again.

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If you have any questions, concerns, or issues, please contact us:

• Phone: 905-544-1222

• Email: info@grimstudios.ca

• Instagram or Facebook

If you enjoyed your experience, we’d truly appreciate a positive review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp:
http://g.page/grimtattoo/review?rc

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