AFTERCARE

1. Leave the plastic on for 4-8 hours, or overnight depending on the amount of area covered. Once removed, gently wash your tattoo with a non-fragrance antibacterial liquid or foaming soap. Wash until dried blood, ointment, and excess ink is removed. The first cleaning can sometimes take multiple rinses to be fully cleaned of plasma. Sensitivity, swelling and redness is common for the first few days.

2. Pat dry with a paper towel. Apply a VERY thin coat of Aquaphor Healing Ointment Spray (A & D ointment, or regular Aquaphor Healing Ointment is ok but the spray is ideal) to the tattoo. Only apply enough to make the tattoo moist. Applying too much ointment can actually damage the tattoo, so less is better. As the tattoo dries continue to apply very thin coats 3 times a day for 3 days. Make sure to wash your hands before applying the ointment. Wash the tattoo in the morning and night time. The tattoo should only be washed twice a day (morning and at night).

3. On the fourth day switch to an unscented skin moisturizer, like Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Eucerin or cocoa butter. Apply the moisturizer once every 3-4 hours each day or whenever the tattoo seems dry. Scabbing is completely normal during this period. Picking or scratching WILL damage the tattoo. An itchy tattoo is normal. It means that it is healing. Use the lotion for about 2 weeks or until all of the scabs have fallen off.

-Don’t scrub or soak your tattoo. Just wash it gently. Showers are fine, but AVOID baths, hot tubs, pools and the ocean during the initial 3 weeks after getting tattooed. Soaking your tattoo during this time will result in loss of ink and possible infection.

-Avoid excessively touching your tattoo, as it is a healing wound after all.  Don’t pick or scratch your tattoo! Itchiness is completely normal. Instead of scratching it, lightly slap the tattoo.

-Don’t let your tattoo see the sun or tanning lights, especially while healing. Failure to do so will result in premature fading of the tattoo. The sun is your tattoos biggest enemy. When out in the sun make sure to use a high SPF sunblock to keep your tattoo looking cool as hell!

-Don’t listen to your friends.  The only stupid question is the one not asked.