Alley Cat Tattoo – Official Aftercare

“Nine Lives Maintenance”

YOUR NEW INK IS A FRESH WOUND. Treat it like one for the first 2–3 weeks or you’ll lose a life.

DAY 0 – FIRST 4 HOURS (still at the shop / ride home)

  • Leave the wrap on (we use Second Skin or cling film + pad)
  • Keep it clean, keep it still, no gym, no tight clothes

THE CARE (after you remove the Wrap)

  1. Cling film – Don’t keep it on for longer than 8 hours.
  2. Second-skin – Remove wrap in a warm shower (never peel dry)
  3. Wash hands like a surgeon
  4. Gentle wash: lukewarm water + fragrance-free antibacterial soap (Protex, Lactacyd, or plain green soap). 30 seconds max. No scrub.
  5. Pat dry with clean paper towel (no dirty bath towel)
  6. Let air-dry 10–15 min
  7. Thin layer of aftercare (choose one): Hustle Butter, Bepanthen
  • Second-skin / Saniderm (leave new one on 3–6 days total)
  • Hustle Butter Deluxe / Bepanthen / plain coconut oil (rice-grain amount, 3–4× day)
  • NO Neosporin, NO Vaseline, NO thick lotions

DAYS 1–7 (healing phase)

  • Wash 2–3× daily (morning, night, after sweat)
  • Moisturize lightly after every wash
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing
  • NO soaking (pools, baths, ocean, hot tubs)
  • NO picking, scratching, or letting anyone touch it
  • Sleep on clean sheets (change them if you ooze)

DAY 7–30 (flaking & matte stage)

  • Switch to fragrance-free lotion
  • 2× daily until shine comes back
  • Light exfoliation with warm washcloth if flakes get thick
  • Sunblock 50+ if it sees daylight (your new tattoo burns 10× faster)

RED FLAGS – COME BACK OR SEE A DOC IMMEDIATELY

  • Pus (yellow/green)
  • Red streaks spreading out
  • Fever or swollen lymph nodes
  • Smells bad

PRO TIPS FROM THE ALLEY

  • Drink water like you’re still in the chair
  • No booze or heavy drugs first 48 hrs (thins blood, more ooze)
  • Itch = good. Scratch around it, slap it, or ice it – never directly
  • Color & black/gray heal at different speeds – normal
  • When it’s fully shiny again (3–6 weeks) book your free touch-up

You paid for permanent. Follow this and it stays perfect.

Questions? Call or email the shop – we got you.