Tattoo Aftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo!

• Remove the wrap in 1-4 hours. Wash with hot water and a pump soap that has no fragrance or dye such as Dial.  Do not use bar soap as it collects bacteria from sitting out wet and you don’t want to introduce that into your new tattoo. Let the tattoo air dry for about 5 minutes and then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor.

• For the first day or 2 you may experience a lot of seepage and you may wash your tattoo as needed if the seepage begins to collect. Make sure to dry.  Otherwise, washing regularly  when you shower is fine. Your tattoo can get wet, just don’t let the water beat down onto it and do not submerge it in a bath, pool, ocean etc for about 2 weeks!

• Apply a small amount of Aquaphor to your new tattoo about 2-3 times a day for 3 days being careful not to leave a layer, you just need enough to keep it moisturized. Every bodies skin is different, you may need a little less or more. If your skin feels tight or dry apply a little more.  Avoid allowing the tattoo to become greasy or oversaturated with the Aquaphor

• Wrap your tattoo at night for the first 3 nights using cling wrap before bed.  Make sure the tattoo is clean and air dryed. Tape off with medical tape to block out the air. In the morning wash off the tattoo which may have had leakage and resume daily care. 

• After 3 days stop wrapping at night/ using Aquaphor and begin using plain white hypo-allergenic lotion such as Aveeno or Curel.

• Your tattoo may begin to itch and the skin will most likely peel and flake off which is completely normal.   Do not pick at any scabs that may form or pick/scratch at the tattoo. The skin may feel dry and you can use the lotion liberally at this point.

• Keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for about 2 weeks and after that make sure to use sunblock as the sun fades pigment and ink in the skin.

• Please note that there are varying times for healing a tattoo that can range from 2 weeks to 1.5 months or so. Everyones skin is different so results will vary.

• When your tattoo is healed, I will be more than happy to touch it up if necessary within 6 months at no charge as long as you follow my aftercare and the touch up isn’t due to mishandling while healing.