Tattoo Aftercare
Suggested Aftercare For Tattoos
1. Remove bandage in a CLEAN bathroom after 2-3 hours. Bandage may be left on overnight if it feels comfortable and secure. Maintain clean bedding throughout the healing process (about 2 weeks).
2. After removing bandage, wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and soap. We recommend plain Dial soap out of a pump bottle. No soap with fragrance moisture beads or scrubs.
PROCESS FOR WASHING A FRESH TATTOO:
Carefully remove bandage and tape
Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water
Gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed
Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, gently, until the skin is clean
a clean paper towel may be used to dab the tattoo dry
3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on a fresh tattoo.
4. Once the tattoo is dry apply AQUAPHOR/ VITAMIN A&D healing ointment. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use the Ointment for the first week then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand.
5. Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo. Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten day of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dries out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne- like break outs. This can be taken care of by reducing the number of lotion applications per day.
6. After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will fall off eventually. It normally takes 3-weeks for a tattoo to completely heal.