Aftercare

Taking good care of your tattoo will promote proper healing and longevity

1. Remove bandage after 2-3 hours. Bandage may be left on overnight if it feels comfortable and secure. If the bandage is removed on the first night, the tattoo may stick to or stain bed sheets. Maintain clean bedding throughout the healing process

2. After removing bandage, wash the tattoo immediately with Dial antibacterial soap and warm water

Washing your tattoo

  • Clean your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water first

  • Carefully remove bandage and tape

  • Gently clean tattoo with soap and water using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed

  • Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, gently, until the skin is clean

  • Dab the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.

3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels or bath sponges.

4. Once the tattoo is dry apply a light coating of AQUAPHOR healing ointment.  Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use the Aquaphor for the first 4-5 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand.

5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being sloughed from the surface or the skin.

6. Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. The tattoo need not be rebandaged except in certain, rare instances. A bra strap, tight waistband, sweaty gym shoe or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems. Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid. If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing be sure that only sterile bandages are used.

7. After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it clean and moisturized.

DO’s and DON’TS

Avoid soaps and moisturizers with any fragrance or harsh chemicals

Do not pick or scratch your tattoo

Avoid direct sunlight

Avoid tanning beds

Avoid pools, oceans, baths…showers are ok.