Aftercare Instructions

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Please follow these instructions carefully, and avoid anything not listed here without consulting with your tattoo artist.

1. Leave your bandage on for a period of at least 2 hours, and not longer than 24 hours.

2. When you remove the bandage, immediately wash your tattoo with warm water, mild antibacterial soap (avoid scented soap: Dial Gold, Dove, or Ivory work best), using the tips of your fingers to clean the tattooed area.

3. For the first few days, your tattoo will bleed and seep plasma, both of which feel slick/slimy to the touch. Your goal when washing your tattoo is to gently remove as much of this and other build-up as possible. Doing so will help your tattoo heal more quickly and consistently.

4. A few days after your tattoo is made, it will begin to dry out. At this point, continue to wash your tattoo twice a day, and use mild unscented lotion to moisturize the tattoo (after it is cleaned and dry) if necessary. The goal of moisturizer is to prevent the tattoo from becoming irritated as it heals. Use the smallest amount of moisturizer that will absorb into the skin.

5. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR TATTOO FOR ANY REASON UNLESS YOU ARE WASHING IT.

6. After 1-2 weeks, your tattoo will likely be well on it’s way to being healed. After a month, your tattoo will settle into your skin and be completely healed.

If you have any questions about your tattoo or alternative healing methods, call or email the shop for assistance.