Tattoo Aftercare
Leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours. Don’t remove the bandage to show your friends, as this is an important step to start the healing process and helps prevent infection when your skin is at its most vulnerable.
Wash your hands thoroughly. ONLY ever touch your fresh tattoo with CLEAN hands. Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild unscented liquid soap and warm water. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and allow to dry fully for 1–2 hours.
Apply a small amount of non-scented lotion. Rub it in completely to your tattoo and do not leave any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. Do this 3–4 times a day for the first 2–3 weeks.
Let the tattoo shed naturally. Small flecks of color will come off during this process: this is normal and is not the ink coming out of your tattoo. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Doing so could seriously affect the look of your tattoo when it heals, and could create scarring. Continue applying lotion as needed when your tattoo feels itchy, dry, or tight.
Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo until it has healed completely. It hurts! And may damage your tattoo as it heals. Whenever in the sun your tattoo must be covered by your clothing. You CANNOT use sunscreen until your tattoo is healed. After your tattoo has healed, be aware of the sun’s effects on it. Excessive exposure to the sun will fade and damage a tattoo’s appearance. The American Association of Dermatology recommends that a broad spectrum waterproof sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 is applied every 2 hours.
No submerging in any standing water (pools, tubs, lakes, rivers or oceans) until the tattoo is completely healed. It is necessary to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, but it should NOT be soaked in water for long periods of time.
Failure to follow the care directions properly can extend the healing time, cause infection, or prevent your tattoo from looking its best. Infection is rare, but to reduce your risk: wear loose and clean clothing, change your sheets regularly (particularly if you have pets,) only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not allow others to touch your healing tattoo. Some warmth, redness, and irritation is normal. If you suspect infection be sure to consult a health professional at the first sign.
Please call with any questions. Don’t ask a friend or family member what worked for them, because what worked for them may not work for you. Our aftercare works for everyone, and we have seen it all!