Aftercare

ALWAYS WASH HANDS before gently touching your new tattoo.

Two to three hours following your tattoo procedure remove your bandages. The very first time you wash your new tattoo use hot water and liquid antibacterial soap. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive and wash your new tattoo by hand. Once clean, run cold water over your tattoo to help soothe the discomfort. Once your new tattoo has been washed, pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel and leave it alone. Don’t poke at it. There is no need to rebandage your tattoo and leaving it open to breathe is best. Protect your tattoo from animal dander or other things from the environment. Loose fitting clean clothes for a few weeks is ideal.

Hygiene is paramount so take short showers but stay out of the bathtub for a few weeks. While healing tattoo don’t respond well to being submerged or exposed to high humidity situations. Allowing your tattoo to dry out throughout the day is beneficial to the healing process.

It is recommended to wait 3 or 4 days before applying any ointment to your new tattoo. When using ointment only apply a thin layer once, or twice a day. Aquaphor by Eucerin is a good choice. Some people have reported success with virgin coconut oil as well. Do not use petroleum or Vaseline and avoid greasy ointments. Anything you use should not leave a film on your skin. Remember, the ointment isn’t magic so don’t overdo it.

Staying well hydrated and being well rested are two of the biggest things you can do for the health of your tattoo during the healing process. Your body will have a better chance healing quickly if you take care of yourself.

DO NOT USE antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or Bag Balm during the healing process.

DO NOT expose your new tattoo to any sunlight for the first few months to get the most out of your tattoo. Ideally tattoos would never see direct sunlight.

DO please, cover your new tattoo with clothing when exposed to sunlight during the healing process. Once healed you may use high SPF sunblock to protect your tattoo.

DO NOT wear abrasive fabrics or any clothing that is too tight on the new tattoo.

DON’T pick or scratch at your tattoo.

If it itches, you are likely dehydrated. Drink more water.

DO NOT Submerge your tattoo under any source of water until it has completely healed. This includes but is not limited to bathtubs, pools, natural bodies of water.