AFTERCARE

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

​

PLEASE DO:

• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!

• When you get home: Remove bandage within 2-3 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage.

• 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 clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

• ​

• The first 3-4 days: Rub a SMALL amount of UNSCENTED LOTION on your tattoo. You may use LUBRIDERM, JERGENS ETC.– whatever you know you’re not allergic to. Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo. Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. Pat off any excess ointment with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum or Bag Balm. Wash, dry and apply lotion   1-2 times daily.

• ​

• Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating. TIDE or GAIN laundry detergent can severely irritate a healing tattoo – wash the clothes that you plan to wear for the next 2 weeks without detergent or with a no scented hypoallergenic detergent to rinse them clean. Also keep perfumes and hair sprays away from your tattoo at all cost. 

• After day 4: On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin.

• ​

THINGS TO AVOID:

• Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.

• You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub.

• Do not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.

• 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.

• ​

YOU CAN ALSO

• Cold pack (ICE) your tattoo to reduce swelling.

• Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.

• Take some Advil (if you know that you are not allergic to it) to reduce swelling.

If you do not take care of your tattoo, it may become infected or damaged. Infections are very red around the outside of the tattoo and may have thin red lines extending from it. It may ooze, pus, or bleed abnormally.

If you think your tattoo is infected, seek medical attention immediately.

​

If you have any questions about your tattoo or the healing process, please call or e-mail.