Let The Healing Begin

Once your tattoo has been completed, we will gently bandage the tattoo. After approximately 2-3 hours, you will want to wash your hands with a mild anti-microbial liquid hand soap and dry them with clean paper towels. We recommend avoiding cotton towels at all costs as they can, and will, collect bacteria. Once your hands have been properly cleansed, you will proceed to remove your bandage so that you may gently wash the tattoo with a mild anti-microbial liquid hand soap and luke warm water. Please refrain from using bar soaps of any kind as they naturally collect bacteria. While washing your tattoo, please be sure to use your hands only and do not scrub. Should your bandage/gauze stick to your tattoo for any reason, please do not rip the bandage off. Soak the area with warm water until the bandage loosens.

Once you have properly cleansed your tattoo, apply a healing ointment, such as Aquaphor, in a thin layer, massaging it into the tattoo. Do not glob the ointment on as this will only harm your tattoo. At this point it is alright to leave the bandage off as you want the tattoo to breath. If you will have tight clothing on the area of the tattoo or you are doing something that may transfer dirt into the tattoo, then it is required to cover your tattoo with a sterile, non-stick bandage.

Apply the ointment approximately 4-6 times daily. You will need to apply it as many times as it takes to keep it moist; once again in a thin layer, not heavy as you do not want to suffocate the tattoo. Continue with the ointment for no longer than 3-5 days.

After 3-5 days, you will want to switch to a colorless, odorless mild-moisturizer (such as Lubriderm, Curell etc.) You will want to use the lotion anytime your tattoo becomes dry. Continue using the skin cream for 5-7 days or even longer depending on how your healing process is going.

Please expect your tattoo to peel and become itchy; this is just part of the healing process. If you follow the directions provided and you take care of yourself, your health is a huge factor of the healing process, your tattoo will heal rather quickly and look great. If the tattoo is not taken care of properly, it may dry out and result in scabs forming over the tattoo. If scabs do occur, let the scabs fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch your new tattoo as this will affect the end result of your tattoo.

Please make sure that you avoid direct sunlight for approximately 2 weeks. Be sure to cover the tattoo when in direct sunlight whenever possible. After healing, it is best to use sun block whenever in extensive sun, as this will prolong the life of your tattoo.

Avoid soaking the tattoo for at least 10 days. No baths, pools, spas, hot tubs, salt water, lakes, etc.

If there is any reason to suspect an infection of the tattoo or its surrounding area, immediately seek medical attention.

Remember once your tattoo has been completed, the rest is up to you. Please take great care in the healing of your tattoo. If you follow these directions to the best of your ability, the better your tattoo will turn out. Please make sure that you listen to your artist, and only your artist, for detailed aftercare instructions as they are the professional.