Proper tattoo aftercare is essential for maintaining vibrant, long-lasting ink. Learn how to keep your tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected during the healing process with our detailed aftercare guide. Follow our expert tips for a smooth recovery and flawless results Tattoo Aftercare Taking care of your tattoo is one of, if not the, most important parts of the process. The key is to keep it clean and moisturized. For the first three days , wash the tattoo with a mild, non-scented soap three to four times a day. If possible, let it air dry for about 10 minutes and re-apply the ointment of your choice. Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, A&D Ointment, or something specifically designed for tattoo care are all typically a good choice. Avoid scented products, even if they say they are "natural" or "organic" (those words don't mean something is automatically good for your tattoos -- manure is natural and organic). If you have something that you know works well with your skin, its probably fine as long as there is no fragrance in it. Between washing, keep the tattoo covered with the ointment, but just a small amount. You don’t want to use too much and clog your pores. Ideally, your skin will just have a slight shine. When applying the ointment, be careful not to scratch the area, as abrasion can pull the ink out of the skin. After approximately three days, the tattoo should begin to peel, a bit like a sunburn. At this point, if you prefer, you can switch to a non-scented lotion. The entire process will generally take between seven to ten days. However, it can take up to about two weeks to a month, depending on your skin. If you begin to break out in the surrounding area, this is often due to clogged pores from the ointment. This should not affect the tattoo healing (but if you are concerned, do not be afraid to contact us). If this occurs, switching to a lotion can often help. A tattoo is an open wound, so treat it as one. Avoid anything that breeds bacteria, such as pools, hot tubs, and even placing it on a restaurant table. Harsh chemicals or scents will irritate it and make the area burn. Treat your tattoo well, and you should heal smoothly. Derm products Derms are hypo-allergenic, self-adhesive bandages. They allow your skin to breathe, but protect it from the environment. Because of this, it is safe to keep a derm product on for three to five days, but if it is bothering you, remove it and follow the regular aftercare instructions. When the tattoo feels closed — dry and less sensitive — then you should remove the bandage. Remove immediately if: Excessive water or fluid pools up under the bandage. Some plasma will leak from the tattoo, making it appear blurry. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean your tattoo is bleeding out. The skin feels irritated by the bandage itself. It is uncommon, but some people may be sensitive to Tatu-Derm. The tattoo will be itchy and the bandage may be an annoyance, but if you see a rash forming under the bandage or it feels painful, remove the bandage. The tattoo becomes exposed to the air. If the seal is compromised, remove bandage immediately. Remove Tatu-Derm carefully. Peel the Tatu-Derm back gently from the edge. Warm, soapy water will help break down the adhesive. It may be helpful to pull the bandage straight out to stretch and release the adhesive. After removal, clean the adhesive off the area gently but thoroughly. The tattoo should be mostly healed, but some areas may still be in the initial stages. Pick up with normal aftercare where you are in the healing process. Day 1-3 Wash with unscented soap 3-4x a day. Air dry. Apply ointment. Day 4+ Tattoo may start to peel. You can switch to unscented lotion, if preferred. Day14 Your tattoo should be nice & healed. 14+ Always use sunscreen to protect your tattoo! Want to learn more about taking care of your tattoo? We've got more information about tattoos than any reasonable human could ever want on our blog . Give it a peek.

Bold, thoughtful, unmistakably Aiden: a Fort Collins tattoo artist blending American traditional roots with strong lines, dark contrast, and timeless icons. Aiden Keller Aiden is a Fort Collins tattoo artist whose path to tattooing began in a Colorado State University dorm room — where he spent all day drawing. A lifelong artist from Boulder, Aiden dropped out of college after realizing all he really wanted was to make art. That decision led him to a fateful tattoo with JD, who would later become his boss at Solana, and then a tattoo by Matt, who ultimately became his mentor. After a successful apprenticeship and relentless practice, Aiden has developed a distinct style rooted in American traditional design but shaped by his own voice: bold, thoughtful, and instantly recognizable around town. Influenced by tattoo legends past and present, he blends strong lines, dark contrast, and timeless imagery into work that feels alive. “I love tattooing," he says. "I am so passionate about it; it’s all I can think about, honestly.” See Aiden’s work below. Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajk_tattoo_ Learn more: The Making of Tattoo Artist Aiden Keller

Solana Tattoo Company is a highly rated tattoo shop in Fort Collins, Colorado. We offer custom tattoos, walk-in tattoos, piercings, & more. Not your typical tattoo shop. Services Here's a look at the services we offer at Solana Tattoo Company, from walk-in tattoos to custom, appointment-only tattoos, to high-quality piercings. We also offer retail -- and support Think Humanity , a Loveland-based nonprofit that helps underprivileged refugees and orphans in Uganda. Walk-In Tattoos Above all else, we are a tattoo and piercing shop. We offer walk-in tattoos daily on a first come, first serve basis. Just choose your design off the wall or bring your own in and we will agree on a price ahead of application. Our shop minimum is $80. ALL our artists are trained and certified in how to safely handle blood-borne pathogens -- this is above and beyond the enforced requirements. In addition, each artist has their own private room, so you don't have to feel vulnerable and exposed while getting your tattoo. Permanent Make-up We are now offering permanent make-up! More info to come soon. Want help now? Please reach out to solanatattoo@gmail.com for more info. Custom Tattoos We also offer appointments for larger or more particular designs. We will help you pick the right artist for your project and set up a consultation. Most of this work is typically priced by the hour. Always feel free to reach out and ask questions. We want to help you find the exact experience you are in search of. Retail Our lobby is full of inexpensive and unusual gifts and goodies, including jewelry, crystals, oddities, antiques, locally made arts and crafts, and more. Seriously, we have some weird and glorious stuff. And it changes weekly. Piercing We offer full-service piercings, from eyebrows to below the belt. Basic piercings start at just $25. High-quality, internally threaded, flat-back jewelry from Invictus or another high-quality company is always included. There are no extra costs. (The "service" charge on our price list refers to a service separate from a piercing, such as a jewelry change.) Our piercings include 90-day post-service treatment care. This means: free cleanings (book online or walk in); free bead replacements if your bead falls off due to something beyond your control; and a waived service fee if you want to upgrade the top (upgraded top cost not included). Affordable, high-grade finishes/metals and jewels are available for an upgrade. We are happy to custom-order jewelry if you want something specific. We offer everything from gold to titanium for people with sensitivities. Philanthropy We believe a business is only as good as the good it brings to the world. That's why we sell handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry and products made by women, orphans, and refugees. These sales support the Colorado-based nonprofit, Think Humanity -- which sends 100% of its donations to directly help people in need. NO overhead or admin taken out. Get a Free Quote We'd love to provide more information on your next tattoo or piercing! Email us at solanatattoo@gmail.com. Here's what to include in your tattoo quote request .

At Solana Tattoo, we do realistic portrait tattoos. Portrait tattoos demand expert skill to to capture lifelike detail and emotion. Realistic Portrait Tattoos Solana Tattoo Company offers realistic portrait tattoos of people and pets. What is a realistic portrait tattoo? A portrait tattoo is a highly detailed, realistic depiction of a person or pet. Because of the precision required, it should only be done by a specialist to capture true likeness and emotion. At Solana Tattoo, we are proud that many of our artists are highly experienced in portrait tattoos. A few that specialize in portraits include Igor and Helena. Due to the nature of portraits, we recommend booking a free consultation as your first step. Below are some examples of our realistic portraits. See more on our Instagram page . Portrait by Igor Portrait by Igor Portrait by Igor Book a free portrait tattoo consultation! Book a free consultation here !

Transform your story into art with Liv Laeta, a Fort Collins female tattoo artist. At Solana Tattoo Co., she specializes in unique nature and printmaking-influenced designs. Schedule your session today Liv Laeta With a background in fine art and printmaking from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Liv Laeta brings a thoughtful, precise, and creative approach to every tattoo. A Colorado native, she spent her high school years traveling the world to study classical and contemporary art techniques, building a strong artistic foundation long before she learned to tattoo at Solana at age 29. Now a talented tattoo artist in Fort Collins, Liv blends her love of design, attention to detail, and curiosity about the science behind pigments and the technology of machines to create timeless, meaningful tattoos. Whether you’re drawn to her unique black-and-grey work, printmaking-influenced designs, or nature-inspired pieces, Liv transforms personal stories and ideas into art you can carry for life. See her work below. See more at www.instagram.com/liv.laeta.tattoo Learn more about Liv here .

Fort Collins' premier tattoo & piercing studio for micro, fine line, and minimalist tattoos. At Solana Tattoo Co., we craft delicate art that lasts. View our work and get inspired. Micro Tattoos in Fort Collins At Solana Tattoo Company, we believe tattoos should be as unique and personal as the people who wear them. Our artists specialize in micro tattoos and delicate, tiny, fine-line designs that highlight precision, detail, and artistry. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, we make sure every client leaves with something they’ll love for life. What is a micro tattoo? A micro tattoo is a tiny, often finely detailed tattoo that focuses on precision and minimalism. Typically no larger than a few inches, these tattoos are created with single needles or tiny groupings to achieve crisp lines and delicate shading. Due to their scale, micro tattoos often feature simple designs, such as symbols, initials, flowers, or minimalist artwork; however, skilled artists can also create surprisingly detailed imagery in this style. Micro tattoos are an excellent choice for people who want something subtle, personal, and easily concealable if needed. They require a steady hand and a high level of technical skill, since even the smallest detail matters at such a small scale. Below are some examples of our micro tattoos. See more tattoos on our Instagram page . Micro tattoo by Helena Micro tattoo by Sabrina Micro tattoo of a ladybug by Olive Micro tattoo of a gecko by Sabrina Micro tattoo heart by Helena Micro tattoo by Moe Book your micro tattoo here! Book your appointment here !

Get stunning black and grey tattoos at Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins. Book your appointment today for a black and gray tattoo! Black and Grey Tattoos Solana Tattoo Company offers black and grey tattoos! All of our artists can do black and grey tattoos. What is a Black and Grey Tattoo? Black and grey tattoos use only black ink, with varying shades achieved through dilution and shading techniques. Sometimes people call them black and white tattoos. Benefits of Black and Grey Tattoos Many people choose black and grey tattoos because they age well and tend to hold up over time better than color tattoos. The softer gradients and shading can also create a more timeless, classic look. Black and grey tattoos can be used for anything from realism to traditional designs and can add depth and contrast to any piece. Here are some examples of our black and grey tattoos. See many more on our Instagram page . Bunny knee tattoo by Liv A black and grey traditional tattoo by Matt Flower tattoo by EZ Skeleton tarot tattoo by Aiden Book a black and grey tat too appointment! Book a free consultation or appointment here !

Coming soon! Eric "EZ" Johnson From tattooing bikers as a teenager to building spacecraft parts in the aerospace industry, Eric “EZ” Johnson’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Now a resident artist at Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins, EZ combines decades of tattoo experience with an engineer’s precision and an artist’s imagination. Known for his versatility — from fine-line designs to bold realism and intricate cover-ups — he approaches every piece as both craft and connection. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your next masterpiece, EZ delivers work defined by detail and heart. See EZ's work below. View more of EZ's work here: www.instagram.com/tattoosbyez1 Learn more about EZ here: From Aerospace to Ink

At Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins, Colorado, we specialize in stunning realism tattoos that bring your ideas to life with incredible detail. Our artists, including our resident expert Moe, excel in creating lifelike tattoo art. We recommend scheduling a free consultation to ensure the perfect design and accurate quote. Walk-ins are always welcome, but book your consultation today for personalized attention. Realism (Realistic) Tattoos We love doing realism (realistic) tattoos. All of our artists can do realistic tattoos. Igor specializes in this type of tattoo and are our resident experts on this style. Helena also does excellent realistic tattoos. Due to the nature of a realistic tattoo, we recommend booking a free consultation first to get a proper quote and discuss your design. However, walk-ins are always welcome! What is a Realism Tattoo? A realism tattoo is a highly detailed and lifelike tattoo style that aims to replicate the appearance of real-life subjects, such as portraits, animals, and scenery, with precise accuracy. Here are some examples of our realism tattoos. See many more on our Instagram page . Realistic woman by Igor Realistic eye tattoo by Moe Realistic eye tattoo by Igor Realistic sneaker tattoo by Moe Realistic owl tattoo by Moe Anatomical heart tattoo by Moe Anatomical rose by Helena Realism Jesus tattoo by Moe Book a free realism tattoo consultation! Book a free consultation or appointment here !

Celebrate spooky season with Halloween tattoo & piercing specials at Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins. Limited-time flash, fast booking, walk-ins welcome. 🎃 HALLOWEEN TATTOO & PIERCING SPECIAL! 👻 October 31 – November 2 10 AM – 10 PM Dare to test your fate? Ask for the get-what-you-get Halloween Book and roll the dice for $100 — the number you land on reveals your tattoo design, with color or shading included (if you want it). Prefer to choose your own design? Pick from hundreds of original spooky flash designs on the walls — all $31 off all weekend! ALL ear piercings (normally over $25) are just $31, including high-quality, internally threaded jewelry. Free tarot readings on Halloween (Oct. 31) with Mel Rose of Wandering Star Tarot (@wanderingstarreadings) 10 AM – 7 PM Walk-ins are accepted all day! If you want to lock in a specific time, you can book an appointment with a $50 deposit at solanatattoo.com, by calling 970-666-4842, or by sending us a message here . We accept all forms of payment — not just cash.

Get to know the talented tattoo and piercing artists at Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins. Our experienced team specializes in custom tattoo designs and professional body piercings. Book a consultation with one of our expert artists today. Our Team. We are Solana Tattoo Company. Click to see each tattoo artist's work. See highlights of our tattoo work here and our piercings here . Aimee Co-owner/marketing JD Co-owner/tattoo artist Sabrina Tattoo artist Olive Tattoo artist Matt Tattoo artist Sienna Tattoo artist EZ Tattoo artist Liv Tattoo artist Aiden Tattoo artist Adam Lead piercer Biz Piercer Lexy Piercer Looking for a tattoo job? Work with us! Solana Tattoo Company is currently accepting applications for high-quality, experienced tattoo artists. We are interviewing tattoo artists for both booth rentals (appointment-only) and walk-ins. Think you might be a good fit or want to know more about what we offer? Shoot us an email .

Meet Biz Trono, a professional female piercer at Solana Tattoo Co. in Fort Collins. She blends scientific precision with artistry for a piercing experience that is safe and welcoming. Schedule now Biz Trono A former Colorado State University biology student turned professional piercer in Fort Collins, Bismuth “Biz ” Trono blends scientific precision with artistic intention. Her background in veterinary medicine shaped her meticulous approach to sterilization, detail, and client care. It is the qualities that now define her work at Solana Tattoo. Known for her calm, grounded demeanor and dedication to creating a safe, judgment-free environment, Biz brings both technical mastery and genuine empathy to every session. Whether it’s a subtle ear piercing, a bold lip setup, or a full ear curation, she approaches each piece as both a craft and a connection. See Biz's work below. See more at www.instagram.com/pierced_by_biz . Learn more about Biz here: From CSU Biology Student to One of Fort Collins' Best Female Piercers