Tattoo Aftercare

Please consider that everyone heals different and each tattoo should be given the appropriate attention to aftercare every time. It should not be assumed that all heals will be the same even if you have previously been tattooed. The following aftercare is a general guide for the average heal. However, when necessary, you may have additional steps which will be addressed during your session.

  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
  • When you get home: Remove bandage within 1 – 2 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like an open wound.
  • Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.
  • Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.
  • The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of lotion on your tattoo. You may use an unscented lotion (with no alcohol in the lotion) like Cetaphil, lubriderm, aveno, etc, whatever you know you’re not allergic to. Always use clean hands. Make sure to rub the lotion in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. Pat off any excess lotion with a clean paper towel. Do not use ointments such as: Vaseline, a&d, aquaphor, petroleum, Neosporin, Bag Balm, etc. Wash, dry, and apply lotion/ointment 1-3 times daily, as needed.
  • Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating. For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, first wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for this period to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo.
  • After day 3 or 4: On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin.
  • Use lotion until fully healed.
  • The most important thing is to keep your tattoo clean, and LEAVE IT ALONE!

THINGS TO AVOID:

  • Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
  • You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo until fully healed. No swimming, soaking, or hot tub.
  • You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sunblock.
  • Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
  • Do not let anyone touch your tattoo.
  • Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.
  • Be mindful of pet hair and dander. We love our pets, our healing tattoo does not.
  • Do not forget that your tattoo is an open wound.
  • Please avoid listening to your friends and family about aftercare.