TATTOO AFTERCARE
You have been tattooed by a trained artist with sterile equipment. Following these aftercare instructions is vital to proper heal of your tattoo.
1. The bandage is there for a reason. Please leave it on for about 10-12 hours. If the bandage comes off and sticks to any clothing or sheets DO NOT TEAR AWAY! this will damage the tattoo. You should get area wet and gently remove fabric away.
2. After removing the bandage, tattoo must be washed. Showering with the tattoo is okay. Avoid a steady, beating stream of water on the site of the tattoo. Lather tattoo with a fragrance free antibacterial soap. Do not use washcloth or scrub. Use your hand to gently wash the tattoo. Rinse thoroughly and be sure to remove all residue. Pat dry with a soft clean towel.
3. For the first 3 days only. Apply a very thin layer of antibiotic / tattoo aftercare ointment. Choose one (A&D, Triple Antibiotic, Tattoo Goo). Use 3 to 4 times daily . These are approximate times. Depending on physical activity and or area of tattoo you may need to apply more ointment. The area must be kept moist. Do not gob on the ointment! your skin needs to breathe to heal.
DO NOT use vaseline / petroleum jelly. These are NOT substituted for antibiotic / aftercare ointments.
4. After third day until about 2 to 3 weeks switch to a fragrance and aloe free hand lotion such as Lubriderm.
If you have been using tattoo goo or tat wax continue using those until the end of healing. Apply a thin layer of lotion several times a day to prevent the tattoo from drying out. You will do this for about the next 2 to 3 weeks.
A full tattoo heal can take about 2 to 3 weeks on average
It is not uncommon for a tattoo to through a period while healing in which your tattoo will appear dull, flaky, and may itch. This is normal and will pass. Flaky skin is mistaken as scabs. If in the event of scabbing DO NOT pick them off this will damage your tattoo. Let the scabs fall off on their own.
For the first two weeks NO pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers no soaking in the tub.
No tanning. Tanning will fade your tattoo please use a high SPF sunblock.