1.  Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water, dry your hands with clean paper towels. Do not use a cloth towel. 

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    ✸  if using an adhesive bandage over your tattoo, keep the bandage on for 24 hours before removing. Starting at the top of your tattoo, slowly peel the bandage in downward direction,  using lukewarm water to loosen the adhesive if need be. To prevent skin irritation, keep the bandage flush with your skin as you pull down. You may need an extra set of hands to help you remove the bandage. 

    ✸  if wrapped in plastic wrap, remove after 1-2 hours. 

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2.  Using warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap, or a gentle antibac soap like Dial Gold, gently wash your tattoo. Do not scrub! Dry your fresh tattoo using a clean paper towel, do not use cloth towels.

 

3.  For the first few days after your appointment, wash and dry your tattoo at least 2 times a day, until your tattoo begins to dry and peel. 

 

4.  Once your tattoo begins to peel, apply a thin layer of unscented white lotion such as Lubriderm or Cetaphil. Apply lotion to your tattoo after washing and as needed when your tattoo feels dry. Generally, tattoos take about 3 weeks to fully heal, but it can take a month or so before skin returns to normal. Remember to treat all tattoos like an open wound. 

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✸   DO NOT itch or pick at your tattoo! Allow your tattoo to peel naturally. 

✸   DO NOT expose your healing tattoo to direct sunlight. Cover with loose, breathable clothing. 

✸   DO NOT submerge your healing tattoo in pools, bathtubs, the ocean, etc. 

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           ✸ Taking Care of Your Healed Tattoo ✸

 

 

In order to preserve the detail and longevity of your tattoo, it’s important to take care of your skin even after the healing process is complete. 

Aside from the natural aging process of skin, Sun exposure is the leading cause of tattoo fading and loss of detail. It is recommended both by tattooers and dermatologists to regularly apply a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from UV exposure.

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