Tattoo Care Instructions

1. Leave the bandage on for two to three hours or until you are home for the evening. After removing the bandage, wash your hands, and then wash your tattoo using a mild, non-perfumed soap (Ivory or Dial antibacterial soap). Do not use a scrub cloth to wash your tattoo with, only use your hands.

2. After you have washed the tattoo, pat the area dry with a clean towel and allow your tattoo to air dry for a few minutes.

3. Reapply a small amount of Vitamin A&D Ointment. Apply the ointment in small amounts and rub it into the tattoo as if you were applying hand lotion. Do not glop it on as if you were frosting a cake. It is better to use less ointment more often, than too much at once. If, in the past, you have had any irritation from using A&D Ointment, you may use Aquaphor in its place.

4. For the next two weeks (14 days) you will wash the tattoo at least once a day and use the ointment 3 to 4 times a day. You might use the ointment more often throughout the day if the tattoo is in an area where your clothing might rub against it. It is very important to wash your hands before each ointment application to prevent any chance of infection. After the two weeks have passed, you may switch to a mild hand lotion such as Lubriderm, Cocoa Butter or Eucerin. Apply the lotion whenever the tattoo feels dry or itchy.

DO NOT: Re bandage the tattoo unless directed otherwise by your tattoo artist. Leaving a bandage on for too long can cause bacteria to grow and lead to infection.

DO NOT: Touch your new tattoo unless your hands have just been washed.

DO NOT: Scratch or pick at your new tattoo. Peeling and flaking are a normal part of the healing process. Picking at it will not speed up the healing process; it will only cause the ink to fall out leaving spaces without pigment.

DO NOT: soak your new tattoo in water during the first 2-3 weeks. Showering is acceptable because you need to wash the tattoo. Do not soak means no swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs. Immersing your new tattoo in water for prolonged periods of time can cause damage and possible infection.

DO NOT: Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds during the first 2 weeks. After the healing process is complete, you may use a sun block with an SPF 30 or higher. This will help protect the tattoo and keep the colors from fading over time. The better you take care of your skin the longer your tattoo will stay looking like new.

DO NOT: Wear tight clothing that could rub on or stick to the tattoo during the initial healing period. If your clothes get stuck to the tattoo wet the area and gently pull the cloth away from the skin.

DO NOT: Listen to your friends advice on how to take care of your new tattoo. They are not professional tattoo artists and cannot give you the correct care instructions to ensure a successful healing process.

Your tattoo will take anywhere from two weeks to one month to fully heal. During this time, if you have any questions or concerns about your new tattoo, call your tattoo artist immediately.