Tattoo aftercare & FAQ
How your tattoo heals is roughly half my work and half yours. This is exactly what I tell every client who sits in my chair at Figura 22 in Austin — what to do, what's normal, and when to worry.
On this page
The first 48 hours
A fresh tattoo is an open wound. Treat it like one — clean, dry and left alone.
- Leave the wrap on for as long as I tell you. With standard wrap that's usually 2–4 hours; with an adhesive second-skin film it can be 2–4 days. Don't improvise.
- Wash your hands first. Every time, before you touch it.
- Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. Use your fingertips, never a cloth or loofah.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don't rub, and don't use a bath towel — they hold bacteria.
- Let it air out for a few minutes, then apply a very thin layer of unscented moisturiser. Thin is the operative word: a thick layer suffocates the skin and can pull ink out.
- Repeat the wash-and-moisturise cycle two or three times a day.
Sleeping: use clean sheets you don't mind marking. A little ink, plasma and blood on the bedding in the first couple of nights is completely normal.
Healing, day by day
Every body heals at its own pace, and placement matters — a hand or foot takes longer than a thigh. This is the usual arc:
When to see a doctor: spreading redness, increasing rather than decreasing pain after day three, yellow or green discharge, a bad smell, or a fever. Infection is uncommon with good aftercare, but don't wait it out — see a medical professional.
What to avoid while it heals
- Soaking — no baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes or ocean for 2–3 weeks. Showers are fine.
- Sun — no direct sun or tanning beds while healing. After it's healed, sunscreen is the single best thing you can do to keep a tattoo sharp for decades.
- Picking and scratching — the fastest way to ruin good line work.
- Tight clothing over the area, and anything that rubs.
- Heavy gym sessions for the first few days, especially sweat and shared equipment on the tattooed area.
- Scented products — no perfumed lotions, no petroleum jelly slathered on thick.
Before your appointment
- Eat a proper meal within a couple of hours of sitting. Low blood sugar is the number one cause of feeling faint in the chair.
- Hydrate the day before, not just the morning of.
- Sleep. Rested skin takes ink better and you'll sit far longer.
- No alcohol for 24 hours beforehand — it thins the blood, which means more bleeding and poorer ink retention.
- Wear clothing that gives easy access to the placement, and that you don't mind getting ink on.
- Bring ID. Texas requires you to be 18 or over, no exceptions.
- Bring snacks, water and headphones for longer sittings.
Common questions
How much does a tattoo cost?
My rates are $600 for a half day (about 4 hours) and $1,200 for a full day (about 8 hours). Smaller pieces are quoted individually — send your idea, placement and size and I'll come back with a price.
Does getting tattooed hurt?
Yes, but it's manageable — most people describe it as a hot scratching sensation rather than sharp pain. Areas over bone or thin skin (ribs, sternum, hands, feet, elbows, knees) are sharper. Fleshier areas like the outer thigh or forearm are much easier. You can ask for breaks at any time.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface heals in about two weeks. The deeper layers take one to three months to settle fully, which is when the tattoo reaches its final look.
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes, depending on the existing piece. Send a clear, well-lit photo of the current tattoo along with your idea and I'll tell you honestly whether it's workable and what the options are.
Can I bring a reference image?
Please do. References are the most useful thing you can send — they tell me far more about what you want than words. I won't copy another artist's tattoo, but I'll happily draw something original in that direction.
Do you offer free touch-ups?
Yes. Touch-ups are free between 90 and 365 days after your session, provided the aftercare was followed. Normal wear on hands, feet and fingers is an exception — those areas naturally need more upkeep.
How do I book?
Send a request through the booking form with your idea, placement, size and budget. I read every request personally and reply within about 24 hours with a quote and a date.
Where are you based?
I tattoo at Figura 22 Art and Tattoo Studio, 9063 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758. You can see current work in the portfolio and available designs on the flash page.
Ready when you are
Send your idea, placement and size — I'll come back with a quote and a date.
Request your tattoo