Recommended Tattoo After-Care
Strict adherence is suggested for best results
To prevent infection, wash your hands before you touch your tattoo. Every time. DO NOT ALLOW ANYTHING OR ANYONE to touch your tattoo unless it's clean.
You may remove your bandage after a few hours or as instructed by your artist. If you have an evening appointment, you may wear your bandage overnight. If you remove your bandage the same day, you will need to get a few washes in before going to sleep.
TATTOO CLEANSING & CARE
Wash with hot water and LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL HAND SOAP. You may use your CLEAN hands or you may use a few paper towels that are wet and soapy; thoroughly clean your tattoo. The goal is to completely wash away the slimy coating. Rinse. Using clean paper towels, PAT YOUR ENTIRE TATTOO for a couple minutes UNTIL IT STOPS OOZING. Let your tattoo air dry for a few minutes; blot away any fluids that appear. Apply the lotion or ointment recommended by your artist. Use small amount of ointment* and RUB IT IN THOROUGHLY. Blot away excess.
* A branded Tattoo Ointment may be used for healing/moisturizing which is available at most drugstores, your Tattooer will advise.
CLEANSING/CARE SCHEDULE
After removing your bandage:
Day 1: Every 2-3 waking hours or 4-5 times per day.
Day 2: Every 2-3 waking hours or 4-5 times per day
Day 3: Morning, midday, and before bedtime
Day 4: Morning, midday and before bedtime
Day 5: Morning and before bedtime
Day 6 thru Complete Peel: Your tattoo should start to peel or show signs of peeling/flaking. Just wash the surface lightly with your hand only when you shower, but moisturize lightly and gently whenever it feels tight/dry/itchy, usually 4-5 times per day. DO NOT PICK/PULL/TOUCH OR WASH/SCRUB THE FLAKING SKIN OFF – DON'T!!!
Once the tattoo is peeled you should continue to moisturize a couple times per day for another 10 days; that fresh baby skin layer still needs protection and care. Keep the tattooed area out of the sunlight for 2 more weeks.
No swimming/soaking/tub bathing; Don't wear clothing over the tattoo at night to “keep the tattoo protected” as the tattoo may leak plasma and become stuck to the clothing; No tight/irritating clothing (i.e. if you have a tattoo in an area where your bra will rub, don't wear a bra until the tattoo peels); No pet hair; No scrubbing, scratching or picking; Working out is fine as long as you stay away from germy gym equipment.
If you have ANY ISSUES or questions (no matter what the question), contact your artist IMMEDIATELY.
General Do's and Don'ts
PLEASE DO
Tell your friends what a great experience you had with us.
Keep you, your tat and everything very clean.
Show that baby off.
Clean it again.
Moisturize! Take care of it, its gonna be there for a long time.
Drink a ton of water!!
PLEASE DON'T
Don't listen to your friends or family about how to take care of it, they love you
but that doesnt mean they know what they are talking about.
Don't go swimming in a lake, pool, beach or jacuzzi's for at least 3 weeks.
Don't let your pet lick it, their tongue's lick their butt, ok? Also avoid pet hair like the plague for the first few days.
Don't expose it to direct sunlight or a tanning bed for at least 2-3 weeks.
A nicely healed tattoo is more important than a sweet tan.
Don't peel, pick, or scratch your healing tattoo. Don't try to wash or force the peeling skin off, let it fall off naturally. Don't peel, pick, or scratch your healing tattoo. Don't peel, pick, or scratch your healing tattoo. We will know if you did and you will receive a severe scolding.