Tattoo Aftercare

1. Leave your bandage/wrap on for two to three hours, or until you are able to safely wash your tattoo

2. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap

3. Remove the wrap/bandage and, using your clean hands, wash the tattoo thoroughly but gently with a liquid antibacterial soap, such as Dial Gold or Softsoap antibacterial hand soap, and lukewarm running water

4. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel 

5. Allow the tattoo to breathe for a couple minutes

6. Apply a very small amount of a plain white unscented lotion, such as Aveeno or Lubriderm 

 

Wash the tattoo 1-2x per day until it is fully healed; do not over-wash. Redness, soreness, and weeping are normal for the first 1-3 days. If the tattoo is weeping, you can dab it gently with a clean paper towel.

 

Do not submerge your tattoo in water (hot tubs, baths, pools, ocean water) until it is fully healed. Never pick at or scratch the tattoo, and do not touch it without washing your hands. It is also important to avoid prolonged sun exposure. A new tattoo is an open wound and you must treat it as such. 

 

Once your tattoo has healed, you must continue to care for it, particularly with respect to sun exposure. It is important to avoid tanning, tanning beds, and excessive sun exposure; it will fade your tattoo more quickly over time. Wear sunscreen regularly once your tattoo has fully healed. 
 

Please contact me directly with any questions about aftercare.