Follow the instructions on this page for trouble free healing of your new tattoo.
After approximately 3-5 hours, carefully remove the bandage from your tattoo.
Soak your tattoo in hot (as hot as you can stand) water for about 10 minutes. Soaking in a tub is ok. Using only your fingertips, gently rub off any old plasma/blood. DO NOT use a cloth, loofah or a sponge!
Lightly pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel. DO NOT rub it!.
The next morning when you wake up, gently wash the tattoo with a very mild soap (ivory, cetaphil) and water, again using only your fingers tips to gently massage the area clean.
For the first 2-3 days let your tattoo dry out; use NO lotion or creams on the area.
After this initial period, you may use lotion to relieve any extreme dryness and/or itching. Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion that has no additives (such as aloe, Vitamin E, lanolin etc.)
Some good brands to use are: Lubriderm, Vaseline intensive care (the plain white lotion). The plainest/whitest lotion you can buy!
It is normal for tattoos to become to become flaky and itchy while they are healing. DO NOT pick, rub, scratch or mess with your tattoo! If your tattoo is irritated while it is healing, color can be lost from it and then you may need to come back for a touch-up. Plus picking and scratching hurts!!!
While your tattoo is healing you should avoid pools, hot tubs and direct sun exposure. Sun is very bad for new tattoos, so try to avoid it for the first couple of weeks, once your tattoo is fully healed, remember to always use sunscreen on all your tattoos or keep them covered when you are in the sun. Sunlight will age your tattoo and cause the colors to fad. Tanning beds too will age your tattoo!
If you have any questions regarding the aftercare of your tattoo or what is "normal" healing, do not hesitate to call us at 261-1009.