aftercare
take care of your new tattoo
Follow the simple steps listed out below to ensure your new tattoo is well taken care of. If you are experiencing abnormal pain or discomfort, please contact your artist.
1.remove your bandage
Remove your bandage after approximately 2 hours (once you are home and comfortable). The bandage can be left on up to 24 hours. Wash your tattoo thoroughly after removing your bandage.
2.wash your tattoo
Using ONLY your hand, gently lather the tattoo with a mild SCENT-FREE, DYE- FREE soap and rinse thoroughly. Then pat dry with a clean lint-free towel and allow your tattoo to air dry. DO NOT use anything abrasive!
3.apply lotion
You will want to wash your tattoo daily and avoid exposure to any unsanitary surfaces. After day 2 & Beyond, you can begin applying a SCENT & DYE FREE body lotion to your tattoo, as needed, (1-3 times a day) for the next 3-4 weeks. Avoid petrol-based products.
4.do not touch
Always wash your hands before touching or applying lotion to your tattoo!! When you are not actively caring for your tattoo… avoid touching it or allowing anyone else to touch it!
THE BIG DO NOTS!
- DO NOT pick, scratch, or peel any loose skin or scabs! They will come off when ready. If you pick at them you can pull ink out!
- DO NOT soak your tattoo in pools, ocean, baths, hot tub, saunas etc. until completely healed – 30 days!
- DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight until completely healed.
- DO NOT shave over your tattoo until it has healed.
- DO NOT listen to your friends, your relatives, or your significant other about tattoo aftercare….. Unless they are the artist who gave you the tattoo.
OTHER IMPORTANT & HELPFUL TIPS
- It is normal for your tattoo to ooze blood and ink in the first 24 hours. If you find your clothing or linens have dried or stuck to your tattoo – DO NOT PULL IT OFF – wet the fabric first before attempting to pull it away from the skin. It is good practice to make sure your sheets and bedding are clean the first week of aftercare.
- Protect your tattoo from sun. Sunlight is your tattoo pigment’s worst enemy. During the healing process keep your tattoo completely out of the sun. Once the tattoo is healed, you can protect it by using sun block whenever it is exposed to sunlight.
- Beware of your Pets. Clean and disinfect all potential areas in which your tattoo may come in contact with pet hair and waste for the first 1-2 weeks of the healing process.
- Wear soft, comfortable clothing. This will help prevent unnecessary irritation, which can prolong your healing time.
- A healthy diet and plenty of water. Proper nutrition and hydration are keys to recovering quickly and with less chance of issues.