Always wash your hands with liquid unscented antibacterial soap (Dial Gold) and water before touching your tattoo.

Leave your bandage on for at least 2, but no longer than 24 hours.  (If you do not have a bandage, wash your tattoo after 2 hours.)

After removing your bandage, gently wash the tattoo with antibacterial liquid soap and hot water.  Use only fingertips, no washcloths or abrasive materials. 

Let your tattoo air dry or pat dry with a paper towel and apply a very thin layer of Lotion after washing.  We recommend Cetaphil or Aveeno.

Wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily and apply lotion 3-5 times daily.  If the tattoo looks wet or dirty, wash it, let air dry and apply a thin layer of lotion. If the tattoo looks dry or flaky apply a thin layer of lotion. Never use Bacitracin or Vaseline.   

After 3-6 days your tattoo will start to peel and flake like a sunburn with ink colored skin.  this is totally normal, do not pick or scratch the tattoo.

Typically a tattoo takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to heal. This varies from person to person. 

Be mindful of your new tattoo, it is an open wound during the healing process. 

Do not over apply lotion, this will close off your pores and prevent you from healing properly.

Do not pick or scratch your tattoo during the healing process, it can pull ink out of your skin and your tattoo will require repair.

Avoid direct sun exposure for one month.  After the healing process, apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher when in the sun to help your tattoo age well. Sun exposure will fade your tattoo over time.

Do not soak or submerge your tattoo until it is completely healed. No lakes, pools, hot tubs, baths, etc. Showering is okay.  

Please listen to your artist’s advice and call the shop if you have any questions. Do not follow aftercare instructions from friends or other internet sites. Be aware there are many products on the market that can slow healing and/or promote an allergic reaction. 

Contact a healthcare professional at the first sign of infection.

Tips

Put clean sheets on your bed after getting tattooed. Dirty sheets can harbor bacteria. During the healing process, an open tattoo may stain your sheets.

You may ice your tattoo if it is excessively swollen. This is not required and is more common with areas such as the wrists and ankles. Do not place an ice pack directly on your tattoo, place Saran Wrap over your tattoo and the ice pack on top. Wash well after icing.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your new tattoo.