Tattoo aftercare​​​

A tattoo isn't completed until it is fully healed.
This takes active participation on your part.​

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1. Remove the bandage after two hours.
All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly.
  Wash the tattoo using your fingertips or hand only.
Use soap and cold or regular water (not hot water).

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2. Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the two week healing period. Always gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean soft cloth.

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  3. There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo.

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4. Apply a thin coat of ointment to the tattoo,
Aquaphor or A&D Ointment are very good.
(Just enough to make it shine, a little goes a long way...) Work it in well.
You should barely be able to tell that it's there. This is just enough to keep the tattoo moist and to keep it from scabbing. Your body heat will liquefy the ointment and it may become glossy looking or runny. This means there's too much on there. Dab more off. Too much ointment will only suffocate the tattoo and liquefy any scabs that may have formed causing the ink to fall out and look blotchy.

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5. Ointment can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it. Apply ointment twice a day for two weeks Do not use any other lotions until the healing is complete. (Usually anywhere from ten days to two weeks; Possibly longer for slower healers.)

 

6. The ink sits within skin and slowly heals into the skin. When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn't have a chance to form a scab but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn. It is perfectly normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during this stage of healing.

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  Do not peel your tattoo, you will pull the ink out!​

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 7. You must keep your tattoo clean, however, long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. This includes Swimming in the Ocean or a Pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas. Short showers are best, under ten minutes.

 

8. Please refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Disrupting the tattoo while it's healing can cause scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. To relieve this slap it with your hand do not scratch.​

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9. No but's about it, the sun is BAD for your tattoo,
even if you've had it for a long time. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high quality SUNBLOCK (not sunscreen). But, do not apply sunblock while the tattoo is healing.
The tattoo is under your skin, and your tan will form above it. If you get too dark, some colors (white, yellow, pink, and orange) may not show up as brightly as they could. Over time, excessive exposure to sunlight will cause your tattoo to fade no matter what colors are used.

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  Following all these simple steps will ensure that you and up with the best result with minimal complications and your tattoo will stay looking bright and beautiful for many years to come.​