- Always wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap before cleaning and touching your tattoo.
- Gently remove bandage in 2 to 4 hours.
- Gently wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.
- Without rubbing, pat dry with a fresh paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.
- For the first 4 days, apply an antibiotic or ointment or lotion. Do not overmedicate – tattoos should be moist, not coated in medication.
- On the first night, you may want to wrap your tattoo to prevent sticking to your bedding. It is helpful to tape a loose non-fabric bandage or paper towel over your freshly medicated tattoo for the first 3 days.
- After a few days, your tattoo will begin to peel. Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes. Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.
Sun Care
After your tattoo is healed you will always want to protect your tattoo with a minimum SPF 60 sunblock. This will prevent fading and damage.
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.
- You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.
- Do not wear abrasive materials while healing, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
- Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they wash their hands.
- Beware of gym equipment, clean it well before using it.
Help The Healing Process
Fresh tattoos will usually be somewhat sore for a few days while healing, but should not be rashy or irritated. Please always consult you tattoo artist if you feel excessive discomfort, or notice prolonged swelling or irritated skin.
- Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.
- Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.
- Take short showers.