Tattoo aftercare

FIRST 1-3 HOURS

Bandages should remain on for 1-3 hours and until you are in a safe and clean environment to remove the bandage and clean the tattoo.

• WASH HANDS thoroughly with soap and warm water before cleaning or touching the tattooed area. Dry hands with paper towels only.

• Gently remove the bandage without force. DO NOT pull bandage upwards. Sometimes excess pigment will come off on the bandage (this is normal).

• If it sticks, wet the applied bandage and gently pull off so as not to damage any scabs or dry areas.

• After removing the bandage, cleanse the area with liquid antibacterial soap and water. Gently rub with fingertips to remove plasma. Do not scrub the tattoo. Dab dry with a clean and dry paper towel.

• Air dry the tattoo until completely dry (at least 10 minutes).

• Apply a thin layer of ointment. We have aftercare ointment available (Aquaphor is also acceptable). Blot any excess ointment with a dry paper towel. Applying too much ointment can cause breakouts.

• Do not apply a new bandage to the tattoo after the first is removed.

3-5 DAYS

• Continue to clean the tattoo for 3-5 days, as instructed above.

• Apply a thin layer of ointment 3-4x a day.

• Do not allow tattoo to become dry. If a scab does form, DO NOT pick at it, let it heal on its own.

• Tattoos typically will start to peel about 3-5 days later. At this point, switch to a fragrance free lotion or gentle moisturizer such as Lubriderm, as needed until completely healed.

• Itching is expected. NEVER pick, scratch or peel it. This may result in loss of pigment.