TATTOO AFTERCARE
SMALL TATTOOS (took under an hour): remove bandage after 4-6 hours
LARGER TATTOOS: remove bandage after 12-24 hours
Begin by washing your hands, and with a mild soap that is free of dyes or perfumes (Dr. Bronner’s, Dove, Ivory), wash your tattoo in cool water. Remove all blood, ink, and ointment residue. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Keep your tattoo clean by washing it twice a day. Be sure to always pat and not rub dry, always with a clean towel.
When tattoo is no longer sticky or tacky to the touch, begin by applying a thin layer of a white, water based lotion, that is free of dyes or perfumes (Tattoo Goo Lotion, Lubriderm, Kerry, Curel). Use sparingly, 3-4 times a day.
Tattoo healing takes approximately 7-14 days, during this time it will form a scab and begin to flake. It should feel like a mild sunburn. Continue to lotion your tattoo during this time, until there are no longer any signs of scabbing or flaking.
HELPFUL HINTS:
Always wash your hands before touching/applying lotion to your tattoo.
Do not re-bandage your tattoo
Do not pick or scratch your tattoo. Doing so can cause ink loss and infection.
Do not submerge your tattoo in water for long periods of time (no baths, hot tubs, swimming) doing so can cause your scab to come off prematurely, causing ink loss, lengthened and poor healing, along with putting you at a higher risk of infection.
Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. It has no sun blocking abilities and it twill burn. Once your tattoo is fully healed, you must always apply sun block when it is exposed outdoors or to tanning beds, as UV light will cause your tattoo to age and fade quickly.
Do not use any products not recommended by your tattoo artist (vaseline, polysporin, scented lotions, preparation h, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments or oils) these products can cause adverse skin reactions, infections, prolonged healing and ink loss. If in doubt, please contact the shop by phone or email.
If your tattoo appears to have a milky film on it, you are using too much moisturizer. Cut back the amount you are using, or the number of times a day you are applying it.
If your tattoo feels tight, the scab is cracking or bleeding, it is extremely itchy or uncomfortable, you are not using enough moisturizer. Apply enough so that the skin is soft and supple, but not mushy.
Please be aware that even if you follow all these instructions, it is possible for your hand/finger/foot tattoo to heal poorly.