Tattoo aftercare
Remove bandage within 4-24 hours of receiving your tattoo.
- Do not re-bandage. It needs oxygen to heal properly. 
- Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. 
- For 2 weeks, wash your tattoo 3-5 times daily with warm water, using H20 cleanser or any fragrance free, liquid anti-bacterial soap. 
- Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive on the tattoo. Air dry or pat dry (do not rub) with a paper towel. 
- Apply a very thin layer of H20 protectant, or any antibacterial ointment e.g. Aquaphor 
- Wait 20-30 minutes to air dry before applying a non-scented lotion to moisturize skin and to promote healing. 
- Clean your 'weeping' tattoo a few times a day. Don't let it fester. 
- Do not scratch your tattoo. Do not panic if you get scabs. It is a normal part of the healing process. 
- DO NOT PICK SCABS. This will cause your tattoo to bleed and will pull ink out of your skin. 
- Moisturize regularly but avoid body wash, lotions and shampoos that have fragrances. 
- Avoid direct sun, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean during the healing process. 
- Do not over soak your tattoo with water while in the shower. 
- Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for a few weeks. 
- Apply a cold compress and avoid tanning oils, lotions, and sand. 
- Avoid tight fitting clothes that might irritate a new tattoo or pull off any scabs. 
- After the tattoo has fully healed, continue to wear SPF 30-50 sunscreen when spending long periods in direct sunlight, to keep it looking bright and new. 
- Do not put any sunscreen on a tattoo that has not fully healed. 
- Continue following any post-care protocol offering a skin care regimen that includes cleanser, protectant, & moisturizer. 
- Refer to your artist or inquire with the shop for any challenges during the healing process. 
- If your tattoo becomes infected, please consult a physician. 

