Instructions

Always wash your hands before touching your new tattoo.

When you get home

• Remove bandage as directed by your tattoo artist after getting a tattoo. Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like an open wound.

• Wash your tattoo with an unscented, gentle, antibacterial soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your clean hands.

• Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

The first 3-4 days

• Rub a small amount of lotion/ointment on your tattoo. Use an unscented, alcohol free lotion such as Cetaphil or any tattoo ointment. Whatever you know your are 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. Pat off any excess ointment with a clean paper towel. Do not use petroleum based lotions/ointments, such as Neosporin, Vaseline, or Bag Balm. Wash, Dry, and apply lotion 1-3 times daily, or as needed.

• Wear clean, soft clothing over your new tattoo for the first 2 weeks – nothing abrasive or irritating. For foot tattoos: go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes make sure to keep the tattoo covered with a breathable cotton sock and avoid sandals and/or flipflops for this period to avoid chaffing or damage to your new tattoo.

After day 3-4

• On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, unscented lotion, free of dyes or perfumes.

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

Things to avoid

• Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub, or irritate your new tattoo.
• You can shower! but do not soak or submerge your new tattoo. No swimming, No soaking, No hot tubs.
• Prevent sun exposure at all costs for at least 3 weeks after getting tattooed. After that use sunblock.
• Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your new tattoo.
• Do not let anyone touch your new tattoo.
• Beware of gym and sports equipment; wash it well before using it.

You may also

• • Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.
  • Elevate your tattoo and keep weight off of it to reduce swelling.
  • Take short showers.