Aftercare

Your tattoo will take approximately 2 weeks to heal. During this time it is crucial that you
follow the directions below until the tattoo is fully healed.

Your tattoo will likely be tender for the first few days then it will develop light scabs
and appear “crusty”. Within a few days these will gradually flake off. During this
period it may seem that the color is falling out with the scabs. Don’t worry this is
normal. In the last stage of healing the tattoo will look waxy or shiny on the surface.
The directions below should be followed until the final stage has passed and the
tattoo is fully healed.

First and foremost LISTEN TO YOUR ARTIST!! Only do as he or she has instructed.
Under no circumstance should you defer to the advice of friends , friends of friends,
or google . If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo or wish to
deviate from the aftercare instructions provided, consult your tattooist first.
After completion of your tattoo a bandage will be applied. This should remain on for
a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 12 hours unless instructed otherwise by
your tattooist.

When you remove your bandage, first wash your hands, then thoroughly wash your
tattoo with a mild fragrance free antibacterial liquid hand soap such as DIAL . DO
NOT use any sponges or luffas to wash your tattoo, only your clean bare hand or a
soft wash cloth. Be sure to wash away any remaining ointment or blood. This may
require a few washings. Just remember to be GENTLE and be sure to thoroughly rinse
all soap from the tattoo. (You should wash your tattoo 2 to 3 times daily until your
tattoo is fully healed.)

After each washing pat your tattoo dry with a CLEAN towel then apply a THIN layer
of fragrance free ointment such as CUREL, EUCERINE, AVEENO or 100% COCOA
BUTTER. Do not apply so much lotion that the tattoo looks greasy, just enough to
keep the tattoo pliable during the healing process.

DO NOT USE ~
Sunscreen, tanning lotion, fragranced oils, aloe vera , A and D or cortisone cream or
ointments containing any of these things unless your tattoo is FULLY healed.

WHAT TO AVOID ~
Bodies of water (baths ,pools , lakes, oceans, hot tubs) Never soak your tattoo
during the healing process, aside from risking infection it can cause the scabs to
come off pre-maturely resulting in loss of pigment.
Gym equipment (including work out mats and gym floors.)
Heavy workouts that strain the area where you were tattooed. Be sure to wash
your tattoo immediately after any work out.
Prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds.
Touching your tattoo unnecessarily or scratching and or picking at scabs.
Remember that pets can be dirty. Be sure you tattoo comes in as little contact with
pets or pet hair as possible.