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Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

  •   Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!

  •     When you get home: Remove the bandage 2 hours after getting your tattoo. DO NOT re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like an open wound.

  •     Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.

  •     Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel or let it air dry. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

  •     The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of lotion/ointment (Aquaphor) on your tattoo. You may use an unscented lotion (with no alcohol in the lotion) or a tattoo ointment – whatever you know you’re not allergic to. Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo. Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm. Wash, dry, and apply lotion/ointment 1-3 times daily, as needed.

  •     Do not use any cloth bandages or pads, as the fibers of this material can adhere to your open tattoo and hinder the healing process.

  •     Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating. For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, first wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for this period to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo.

  •     After day 3 or 4: the tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes.

  •     Use lotion for a minimum of 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.

 

Things to Avoid

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  •     Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.

  •     You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. ABSOLUTELY NO swimming, soaking, hot tub or sauna.

  •     You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sunblock.

  •     Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.

  •     Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they wash their hands.

  •     Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.

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