Tattoo Aftercare

Care of your new tattoo

Leave the bandage on overnight. Do not remove and rebandage the tattoo either. No matter how badly you want to show your friends right after you've finished, this is an important step to start the healing process right and help prevent infection when the skin is at it's most sensitive. Your tattoo will be there forever so you can surely wait one day to show it off.
Remove the bandage in the morning and wash the tattoo with mild soap and water. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Apply Vitamin A & D ointment sparingly, rub it in briefly and then wipe off any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. In order to heal quickly your skin must be able to breathe.
Continue to wash the tattoo and apply the Vitamin A & D ointment twice a day until the tattoo has healed. A dry flaky layer of skin will form on the tattoo. When it has peeled off completely on it's own then the A & D need not be used any longer.
Do not ever pick or scratch at the tattoo. It is natural for a new tattoo to itch somewhat while it is healing, however, scratching at a fresh tattoo could remove a scab or flaking skin prematurely. Doing this could seriously affect the look of your tattoo when it heals.
Do not get any direct sunlight on the tattoo for a period of two weeks or until it is healed completely. This point can not be stressed enough. Whenever in the sun for the first two weeks, the tattoo must always be covered by your clothing.
Do not swim or use jacuzzis for at least one week. While it is necessary to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, it should not be soaked in water for long periods of time as this could remove a scab prematurely and negatively affect the look of your tattoo.
After your tattoo has healed, be aware of the sun's effects on it. Excessive exposure to sunlight will fade and damage a tattoo's appearance. To keep a tattoo looking it's best for a lifetime, it is recommended to use a strong sunblock (spf 36 or spf 50) on the tattoo itself to prevent it from being harmed.
Failure to follow the care directions properly can extend the healing time or prevent your tattoo from looking it's best. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.