tattoo aftercare

Always wash your hands before touching your healing tattoo!
When you get home: Remove bandage 2-3 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like an open wound.
Wash your tattoo with an 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 clean towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.
The first 2 weeks: Rub a small amount of lotion on your tattoo (as recommended by your artist). Always use clean hands. Make sure to rub the lotion in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible (should absorb into the tattoo within ten seconds). Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm. Wash, dry, and apply lotion/ointment 1-3 times daily, as needed.
Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating.
After day 3 or 4: On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Continue using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes.
Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.

Things to Avoid

Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking, or hot tub.
You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sunblock.
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.

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