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When you get home:

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• Remove bandage within 1-2 hours of getting your tattoo. Do not rebandage; your tattoo needs to breathe just like any open wound.

• Wash your tattoo with a non-scented anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle; do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.

• Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel. Do not rub or use fabric with a rough surface.

 

For the first 3-4 days:

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• Rub a small amount of healing ointment on your tattoo. We recommend Aquaphor. You may use Bacitracin, A&D, an unscented lotion (with no alcohol content) or H2Ocean Aquatat Tattoo Ointment.

• Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo.

• Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy; you want the layer to be thin.

• Pat off any excess ointment with a clean paper towel.

• Do NOT use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin or Bag Balm; these are non-breathables 

• Wash, dry and apply ointment 3-5 times daily, as needed.

• Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks - nothing abrasive or irritating.

• If it itches, smack! Don't scratch!

 

 

After day 3 or 4:

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• Your tattoo will be beginning to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or perfumes. We recommend Lubriderm.

• Use lotion for a minimum of 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.

• At the first signs of adverse reaction (including any allergic reaction, swelling, infection, illness or disease) please consult a physician. Allergic reactions may cause rashes around the tattoo area or scabbing.

• Excessive redness, itchiness, and drainage of yellow or green pus (not a clear fluid) are signs of an infection in your tattoo. Please consult a physician as soon as possible.

 

For a foot tattoo:

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Go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for this period to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo. Use only clean bed liners and bath towels for the duration of your expected healing time.

 

Things to avoid:

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•  Do not scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.

• You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, bathing, sauna use, etc.

• 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, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo. Do not let anyone touch your tattoo, unless they wash their hands.

• Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.