Tattoo After Care

The first few days and weeks for a new tattoo are probably the most important for your new tattoo. Make sure you care for it properly! Below is the healing procedure and do's and dont's we recommend. Because each individual is different, this may not always be best recommendation for each person. We recommend you follow the advice of your tattoo artist or seek the advice of a doctor first.

1. Leave the bandage that you received after the tattoo on for 2 to 10 hours. Tattoos will ooze, this is a normal part of the healing process. The bandage is there to keep air-born bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading your wound.
2. Make sure you hands have been washed thoroughly before you remove the bandage.
3. After removing the bandage cleanse the tattoo area with soap and water. Do not scrub the tattoo with a brush or towel (this should not be done until the tattoo has healed). The idea behind the washing is to eliminate any dead cells have been allowed to accumulate on the surface.
4. Dry the tattoo area by gently patting the area with a clean, sterile towel.
5. Let the tattoo dry completely (approx 10 minutes).
6. Lightly rub on a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (such as Bacitracin).
7. You do not need to re-bandage.
8. Repeat steps above for three - four days, approximately 6 times a day. The antibiotic cream should not be used for more than 3-4 days (read the directions on the ointment); switch to a fragrance free lotion. The idea behind this part of the process is to NOT let the tattoo dry out. The ointment should be applied heavily enough to look shiny. Too thin and the surface can dry and prolong healing. You may need too apply more or less often, depending on you and your environment (again consult the directions for the ointment for proper application).

After a few days you may notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing can indicate a poorly done tattoo, but some scabbing may be normal. It is at this point in the healing process that your tattoo will begin to itch. RESIST THE URGE TO SATISFY YOUR DESIRE TO SCRATCH, RUB, OR PICK at the tattoo!!! Remember the treatment you tattoo receives in the first few weeks are the most important days of its life!

Some final DO's and DONT's:

DO NOT:

• Go swimming, or soak in a hot tub or bath.
• Use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo.
• Itch, pick, or scratch the tattoo.
• Avoid activities that will make you sweat.

DO:

• Stay out of the sun until your tattoo has healed completely.
• Apply sun block to tattoo after it has healed whenever it is exposed
• to the sun to protect it from damaging ultraviolet rays.