Proper care of your tattoo is as important as how the artist applies the tattoo.  What you do in the following 5-7 days can make your tattoo brilliant or dull.  Some natural fading is normal over time, but proper care will ensure it’s beauty in the years to come.

  • Remove Bandage in 1-2 hours after returning home.  Do NOT re-bandage
  • Wash the tattoo with warm, soapy water using your hand only.  Do not scrub, just wash gently.  We recommend you use a mild antibacterial bar soap.
  • Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.  Just enough to keep the tattoo moist and from scabbing.  Do NOT over-apply : A little goes a long way!  Dab off any excess with a clean paper towel.  Continue this process twice a day, 6-8 hours apart for 5-7 days.
  • After 5-7 days of aquaphor, switch to using a fragrance free hand lotion such as Curel, twice a day until the tattoo is healed

These are some very important “Do NOT” items you should know …

  • DO NOT expose your new tattoo to salt or chlorinated water (No Swimming!)
  • DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight.
  • DO NOT soak your new tattoo while bathing or showering.
  • RESIST the urge to pick at your new tattoo while it’s healing!
  • DO NOT touch your new tattoo unless you are washing it.

Small tattoos should heal pretty quickly and without the need for anything other than the instructions above.  Larger tattoos may take more time, and the next day may still be red, swollen and “sting” a little.  This is normal for larger tattoos.  If some swelling/redness is present the day after your tattoo, and it is uncomfortable or bothering you, it is appropriate to use ice (20 minutes) and/or an NSAID (ibuprofen, Advil, aleve, naproxen)  to help bring the swelling down.  If the tattoo is still swollen and red more than 48 hours after your tattoo, please come back to our shop so we can take a look and give you appropriate advice.  Your tattoo artist is highly trained and able to properly advise you.  If you are EVER in doubt or worried, we are here to help – call us anytime.  Our goal is to have you come back time and time again.