Tattoo Aftercare

So here is my preferred healing method for tattoos.

1 - Leave the wrap I placed on for at least 1 hour and no more than 3. After which, you will remove the wrap and gently wash the area with unscented antibacterial soap. ( Gold dial works great for this ) Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel and let air out for 10 to 15 minutes.

2 - Put a thin layer of A&D ointment ( Not the cream style as it has zinc in it and can cause issues with some people's skin. The one you want has the color of vaseline ) on the tattoo. Less is more here, just put enough to give it a "shiny" appearance. If it ever looks like it is "gooey", "puddled" or "drippy", take a clean paper towel and gently dab the excess off.

3 - During the first 4 days clean the area 3 to 4 times a day with unscented antibacterial soap and water and put a thin layer of ointment on it.

4 - For the first 4 nights, clean the area, put a layer of ointment on and re-wrap the tattoo just like I did for you when you left my studio. Only wrap it at night when you are going to bed. When you wake up in the morning it is probably going to look nasty under the wrap. It is normal. It is excess ink, blood and plasma that pushed out in your sleep. ( Aren't you glad you wrapped it before you went to sleep and didn't get all of that on your nice bed sheets! ) Remove the wrap when you wake up, wash everything off with antibacterial soap and water, put your ointment on and start the day.

5 - After the first 4 days, switch from A&D ointment to a good unscented lotion of your choice. ( Personally, I don't care what you use as long as it's fragrance free. Although I do suggest staying away from heavy petroleum based products i.e. Aquaphor, Vaseline, and the like. I personally use Aveeno Fragrance Free Baby Lotion. It's non greasy, a little goes a long way, and a bottle will last a looong time. ) Keep the area moisturized for the next couple of weeks during the healing process.

6 - After the first 4 days, you can quit wrapping it at night. ( See, it wasn't that hard was it. )

7 - Keep the tattooed area out of direct sunlight for 2 weeks from the day it is done. ( No tanning beds either! )

8 - Do not submerge the tattooed area for 2 weeks from the day it is done. Showers are fine, everything else is a NO. ( This means no bubble baths, soaking in the tub, swimming, etc.. )

9 - DO NOT pick or scratch at your new tattoo while it's healing. You can gently pat the area to help alleviate any itching.

10 - If you see any areas that need touching up, Wait at least 5 weeks for all the layer of skin to fully heal and get in touch to get you scheduled in for a touch up. ( If you follow my after care I will warranty my work, the first touch up is free. However if you don't, and yes we can tell, there will be a minimum sitting fee. )

This is how I take care of mine and it has worked great for me and tons of other clients. Keep in mind I am not a doctor or medical professional in any way. So take my advice accordingly. It is normal for the area to feel sore, some redness around the tattoo, a little warm the first day or two, maybe even slightly bruised depending on your body and the area tattooed. If you notice any red streaks developing from the area, it stays warm/hot to the touch after a day or two or pus leaking from the area, please seek medical attention.