Can I work out/go to the gym?

Technically yes. However, it’s not suggested (especially depending on the size and location of the tattoo). If you go, you are taking the risk of potential infections upon yourself. That said, if you do - make sure you wipe down the equipment that may touch the tattoo very well before using it. If you get really sweaty and gross, make sure to wash the tattoo when you’re done working out and bring a change of clothes if needed. You don’t want the tattoo to sit under the sweaty clothes for a long period of time.

Can I go in the pool/hot tub if the tattoo doesn’t get submerged?

Yes, but you are taking on potential risk of infection. As long as the tattoo stays above the water and stays dry you should be ok.

Can I put on sunscreen if I am outside?

No, not for 2-3 weeks depending at a minimum, preferably wait a month. Sunscreens are super thick and contain a number of compounds that can irritate the tattoo. A fresh tattoo already feels like a sunburn and is going to hurt more in the sun anyways. If you can’t avoid being outside, try to wear clothing that covers it, or lightly cover the tattoo in a spray sunscreen.

My tattoo is red & sore, is it infected?

Probably not. Your body will have an immune response to the ink being put in the body, as such it will have a mild soreness and redness around the immediate perimeter of the tattoo for 2-3 days. If the pain & redness is excessive after 3 days, or there is abnormal scabbing, blistering or oozing, see your doctor.

The tattoo has started peeling and the color looks faded/different from when it first went in. What’s going on?

As the body adjusts to the ink, sometimes you’ll notice fluctuations in the color saturation. Unfortunately it’s possible the areas were not saturated with ink as much as we’d like, or it doesn’t settle very well, and in some cases the body rejects it during healing (it sounds worse than it is, just not a better way to phrase it) and as a result those areas will heal out lighter. Luckily your artist will happily touch it up for you, just give it a full 30 days of healing first - sometimes it actually evens out on its own.