Tattoo Aftercare

About 2-4 hours after receiving your new tattoo, remove the covering (gauze, paper towel, or plastic wrap). At this point you must wash the tattoo thoroughly to remove any, and all dried body fluids and the ointment your artist applied when they bandaged your tattoo.

After washing your new tattoo, pat dry very gently, then apply a very small amount of the ointment of your choice. Neosporin, Bacitracin, or A&D ointment are recommended. It is very important that you apply no more than a thin glaze.

DO NOT USE VASELINE!

Wash your new tattoo about three times daily for the first two days only. Use warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Make sure to remove the old coat of ointment at each washing. Then reapply a very thin coat of ointment. Shower as normal throughout this time, keeping direct water contact to a minimum. Do not soak it. After getting out of the shower, be cautious not to let your clothing stick to your healing tattoo.

Use of non-stick gauze (Telfa Pads) is warranted ONLY if irritants such as clothes, bed sheets, dirt, sunlight, etc. come in contact with your new tattoo and are causing problems within the first 48 hrs only. We strongly urge our clients to let your new tattoo breathe as much as possible without a bandage.

WARNING: After the first 48 hrs, stop the use of any ointments, and stop letting the tattoo get wet while bathing. At no time during the healing process should you soak the tattooed area in a hot tub, bathtub, shower, jacuzzi, pool or ocean water.

On the third day stop using any ointment and or usage of a bandage. At this time you will begin to use a mild, fragrance free hand lotion with a low alcohol content, no aloe and no vitamin E. Lubriderm, Keri, Curel or Eucerin are recommended. Apply very small amount 3 to 5 times daily for about the next 2 to 3 weeks, or until healed. In about 1 week your tattoo may form a milky white layer, this will peel as a scab

DO NOT PICK, SCRATCH, SCRAPE, RUB OR OTHERWISE ABUSE THE SCABS. Just apply the lotion lightly, as directed, and let the scabs peel off on their own. It is possible that the tattoo may peel more than one time, this is normal. If you have a colored tattoo rather than a black & gray, after it has peeled your colors should appear brighter. Color may appear dull during the application process due to blood seepage in the skin.

At no time during this period of healing should you tan or sun bathe. Your tattoo is very sensitive to ultraviolet light and it can fade with prolonged exposure. After the tattoo is completely healed it is advisable to use a total sun block or at least a sunscreen (SPF-15 or higher) to prevent premature ageing of your Tattoo.

TO THE LADIES: If your tattoo is in an area that requires shaving, shave around it while healing please! Even after the tattoo is healed, it is recommended that you use a new razor each time. Bacteria can grow on your razor and may cause you problems.

During the warm months of the year perspiration becomes an added problem for a healing tattoo. Be on guard with this problem as your scab may stick to your clothing.

Please remember, the aftercare of your new tattoo is entirely your responsibility. A highly trained and experienced professional artisan has applied your tattoo. Under usage, or over usage, of any of the products recommended above may cause poor results and or damage to your permanent artwork.