Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare of your tattoo is crucial in ensuring a good healing process. Failure to follow guidelines can lead to infection, scarring, or patchiness. Follow all instructions given to you by your artist, and if you have concerns or questions you should contact your artist or Morningstar Tattoo immediately. 

General Guidelines:

  • No swimming, hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, saunas, lakes or rivers, or other bodies of water for at least two weeks after getting your tattoo.
  • Reduce intensive activities that could cause excessive sweating such as going to the gym, intense manual labor, intensive sports, etc.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants, or other loose protective clothing while your tattoo is healing to avoid exposing your tattoo to bacteria, sunlight, etc.
  • If you have pets, please ensure to keep their hair (and tongues) off your tattoo while it heals.
  • Wear sunscreen every day after your tattoo is healed to help keep it looking bright and saturated. 

Aftercare with Derm:

1. First derm will remain on the tattoo for 24 hours as long as the derm has not developed any holes, leaks, or peels leaving exposed tattoo. If the first derm has been compromised, please refer to steps 2-7 immediately.

2. If your artist is unable to change the derm for you after 24 hours please wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial Dial Gold soap. Pull off the derm slowly in a clean space away from dog hair or other contaminants.

3. Wash tattoo with Dial Gold antibacterial hand soap (please do not use bar soap). Get all of the plasma and blood off of the tattoo ensuring that the tattoo and surrounding areas are clean.

4. Rinse tattoo under cold water to clean off soap.

5. Let the tattoo air dry for 5-10 minutes.

6. Make sure that your tattoo is dry and hands are freshly washed, then apply second layer of derm on the tattoo (make sure have a ½ inch border so tattoo is fully covered).

7. Second layer should stay on for 4-5 days (if the second layer leaks, tears, or peels exposing the tattoo you should take it off immediately).

8.Please refer to care without derm after you have removed the wrap.

9. If you experience any redness, fever, excessive heat or any concerns please reach out to your artist or Morningstar Tattoo immediately.

Aftercare without Derm:

1. Always ensure hands are washed with Dial Gold antibacterial hand soap (please do not use bar soap).

2. Wash tattoo with Dial Gold antibacterial hand soap. Get all of the plasma and blood off of the tattoo ensuring that the tattoo and surrounding areas are clean. Wash tattoo 3 to 4 times per day.

3. Rinse tattoo under cold water to clean off soap.

4. Let the tattoo air dry for 5-10 minutes.

5. Once the tattoo is dry and your hands are freshly washed apply a thin layer of dye-free unscented lotion. Curel and Lubriderm are preferred - please do not use Tattoo Goo or A&D Ointment, they are too greasy and will trap in moisture.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 for two weeks or until tattoo is fully healed.

7. If you experience any redness, fever, excessive heat or any concerns please reach out to your artist or Morningstar Tattoo immediately.