Aftercare Practices

How To Take Care of Your New Tattoo

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It is very important that you to take proper care of your new tattoo while it heals.  Your tattoo artist is not responsible for any issues resulting from poor aftercare.  Your tattoo will not heal properly if you do not follow these guidelines.

Keep it Covered
Keep your new tattoo covered with a bandage to protect it from bacteria.  Leave the bandage on for a minimum of one hour.  If a dermal bandage is used like DermSheild, keep on for 2-3 days and up to a week if no irritation or reactions occur.  

Removing Bandage
We recommend that you remove the DermSheild in the shower, allowing water to wash over the tattoo and dermal bandage as you remove it.

Washing Your Tattoo
Use lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial liquid Aftercare Soap to gently wash the area using your fingertips.  Do not use a towel, loofa or bar soap, just your hand.  If your tattoo feels slimy, do not be alarmed – this is plasma and is a normal part of the healing process.  Try to gently remove as much of this as possible as it can cause scabbing when it dries.  Do not rub. Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use cloth towels as they can harbor bacteria.  Follow with a light application of Tattoo Salve, aquaphor or unscented lotion. Use these products for a minimum of two weeks.  *Do NOT use Neosporin, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol!

Bathing and Swimming 
You can shower with a new tattoo.  It is ok to get the tattoo wet, but do not soak your new tattoo. Submerging the tattoo in water can cause damage or infection. Avoid baths, hot tubs, pools and the beach for at least 2-3 weeks. 

Scabbing and Peeling 
After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing – do not be alarmed, this is normal.  *Do not apply ointment or lotion to scabs.*  You may also start to itch when it begins to heal. *DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO!*  If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put Tattoo Lotion on it. If it is scabbing, leave it alone.

Sun Protection
Always protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Tanning can damage your skin and cause your tattoo to fade.  Use at least 30 – SPF sunscreen when spending time outdoors after your tattoo has healed.

WHAT TO DO:

• Remove the bandage after 2-3 hours if using traditional healing methods; if a dermal bandage or DermSheild is used, keep on for 2-3 days and up to a week if there is no irritation or excessive pooling of blood and plasma.
• Wash the tattoo area with lukewarm water and unscented gentle soap.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
• Apply a thin layer of unscented ointment (aquaphor) or Tattoo Salve 2-3 times a day for the first week.
• To maintain healthy moisture retention following your recently healed tattoo apply a thin layer of unscented lotion.
• Always apply sunscreen on the tattoo before spending time outdoors.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Do not let anyone touch your fresh tattoo.
• Do not use Neosporin or ointments other than recommended.
• Do not use rubbing alcohol, peroxide or cortisone.
• Do not use cloth towels as they can harbor bacteria.
• Do not pick, peel or scratch your new tattoo.
• Do not soak your new tattoo – avoid hot tubs, swimming pools and the beach during the healing process.
• Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight.

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