Aftercare

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.

Remove your bandage
Leave the original bandage in place overnight. The bandage can be left on up to 24 hours. (If your artist has applied saniderm, you can keep that on up to 72 hours.) Once you remove your bandage, you can wash your tattoo thoroughly.
Wash your tattoo
Make sure your hands are clean BEFORE washing 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!
You will want to wash your tattoo daily and avoid exposure to any unsanitary surfaces. It is a good idea to keep a fresh tattoo covered with loose fitting clothing to avoid exposure to or contact with other surfaces.
Apply lotion
You will notice your tattoo starts to become dry, and sometimes itchy as it heals. You may also notice peeling or flaky skin. This is completely normal. Day 2 & beyond, you can begin applying a SCENT & DYE FREE body lotion to your tattoo, as needed, (1-2 times a day) for the next 3-4 weeks. This will help ease the itchy and/or flaky bits. Avoid petroleum-based products.
Do not touch!
When you are not actively caring for your tattoo… avoid touching it or allowing anyone else to touch it! Always wash your hands before touching or applying lotion to your tattoo. And DO NOT a pick or scratch your tattoo while it is healing.

THE BIG “DO-NOT’S”

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 friends, relatives, or significant others about tattoo aftercare….. Unless they are the artist who gave you the tattoo.

OTHER 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.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your artist or the studio for assistance.

We are always here to guide you through the healing process!