TATTOO AFTERCARE

  • Leave the bandage on your tattoo for 6 - 12 hours

  • Remove the bandage while rinsing your tattoo under running water. Be gentle to reduce the risk of skin-damage

  • Once you’ve removed the bandage, use your hand and some unscented soap to gently exfoliate and wash the tattooed area. For larger tattoos, or areas difficult to reach, it is best to clean your tattoo off in the shower.

  • When you’ve finished washing the tattoo, gently pat it dry with a clean towel and allow the tattoo to air dry and breathe for one full day

  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, water-based lotion (such as Aveeno) 1 - 2 times a day for 2 weeks. Too much lotion can cause the skin to scab excessively so you should apply a modest amount that absorbs quickly

  • Within 3 - 6 days after, your tattoo will start to flake off like tissue paper. Do not pick or scratch it. Let the skin peel naturally. You will notice some small pieces of dry skin containing color coming off while using the lotion or washing the tattoo. This is normal -- it is just the top layer of dead skin coming off. Your tattoo is not disappearing.

  • Email your artist or the shop if you have any questions regarding your healing tattoo

DO NOT:

  • Re-bandage your tattoo once the original bandage has been fully removed

  • Allow direct sunlight on your tattoo for the first 2 -3 weeks

  • Pick or scratch your tattoo while it is peeling

  • Swim, take a bath, or enter a hot tub or sauna for one month or before your tattoo has completely healed

  • Shave or wax the area before your tattoo has healed completely

  • Apply Vaseline (petroleum jelly), alcohol, healing ointments (polysporin) or sunblock to your fresh tattoo

EXTRA STUFF:

  • Once you leave the shop, proper care for your tattoo is your responsibility

  • Small amounts of color may appear on clothing or sheets for the first few days

  • When your tattoo is peeling, color will appear in pieces of dry skin

  • If your tattoo is in an area where it can be exposed to the air, allow it to breathe. Allowing your tattoo to breathe will help the healing process. Healing mechanisms within your body and exposing your tattoo to oxygen will help to heal your tattoo quicker and better

  • If possible, wear loose fitting clothing over your tattoo and be careful not to suffocate the area with overly tight clothing such as socks or pantyhose

EMAIL YOUR ARTIST OR THE SHOP IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS