Tattoo Aftercare

General Aftercare:

Leave tattoo bandaged for 1-2 hours, loosen a sticky bandage with a splash of cool water. Do not re-bandage.
Gently wash your tattoo using your fingertips and a little bit of Unscented Antibacterial Soap and lukewarm water.
Rinse with cool water and let air dry for 5-10 minutes.
Apply a thin layer of a Petroleum based tattoo aftercare product such as H2OCEAN AQUATAT.
I also recommend A&D ointment or Bacitracin.
Rinse and reapply ointment 3 times a day for 3-4 days.
After 3-4 days switch to a Scent-Free Glycerin based lotion such as Lubriderm or Goldbond.
Rinse and reapply lotion 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
After a few days your tattoo will begin to itch and flake.
This is normal, Please allow it to happen all on its own.

Dos and Donts:

Do Not let your tattoo dry out completely, and always rinse off old ointment or lotion before applying more.
Remember, it is not good to over-apply any aftercare. A thin coat is sufficient and optimal for healing.
Do Not share your aftercare with anyone. Pathogens can easily be spread through opened aftercare products.
Do Not pick or scratch your tattoo, this can cause it to heal incorrectly and you will need a touch-up.
Light Slapping is an easy way to relieve an itch, as an alternative to scratching.
Do Not re-bandage your tattoo, it needs fresh air to heal.
Wear clean clothes over it and always clean it after a workout.
Do Not soak your tattoo underwater until it is fully healed.
A tattoo, like any scab, can fall off if soaked in water so No Swimming until fully healed.
Avoid direct contact with the sun and Do Not use sunscreen until your tattoo has fully healed.
INSTEAD, JUST COVER IT UP! Sunscreen has chemicals that will hinder the healing process.
Tattoo ink can take 6 months to a year to completely set under the skin
and most permanent sun damage to your tattoo will happen in the first year.
For a long lasting tattoo use sunscreen rated at at least 35 SPF but I prefer SPF 100.

Feel free to call the shop or visit us with any questions. Thank You!