Standard Aftercare Instructions

Leave your bandage on for two hours, up to five hours maximum. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it OVER your bandage for 30-45 minutes to reduce the swelling. This is generally effective for the first two days, as needed.

1) Wash your hands first and then wash your tattoo following these steps:

-Using antibacterial soap and warm water, gently wash the tattoo with your hands (no washcloths, loofahs, etc.), removing all loose ink, blood, and plasma.

-Rinse with cold water.

-Blot dry with a paper towel ONLY (no cloth towels, due to bacteria and lint).

-Repeat this procedure three to four times a day to keep your tattoo free from infection.


2) After blotting dry, let your tattoo air dry for 10 minutes. Dab a small amount of unscented Lubriderm hand lotion or Aquaphor ointment on your tattoo.

Gently rub it into your tattoo. It may sting during the first few applications. Do not use a thick shiny layer, as your tattoo NEEDS AIR to heal. Do not use Vaseline or petroleum/oil-based products as they can cause healing problems with your tattoo.


3) Do not sleep directly on your fresh tattoo if possible. Wear old clean clothing or use Saran Wrap / provided bandages over tattooed areas when sleeping for the first two nights. DO NOT apply lotion or ointment before sleeping! Upon waking, wet down the area before removing stuck clothing to avoid pulling out your tattoo ink.

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Lastly, tattoos can take two weeks to a month or more to heal depending on the level of trauma done to the skin. Avoid these activities as they may result in poor healing or loss of color:

1) Getting sunburned: cover up or use sunscreen to keep your tattoo looking its best.

2) Strenuous activity on the tattooed area: It can crack and damage your healing tattoo.

3) Picking or scratching at the tattoo when it is healing: Let any scabs fall off on their own. Flaking colored skin is normal.

4) Avoid soaking or submerging the tattoo for two weeks. No baths, pools, or lakes. It will make your tattoo scab up and fall out.