TATTOO AFTERCARE
Remove the bandage in 1 hour (longer is fine, if necessary, but try to remove it within 6 hours).
Wash your tattoo thoroughly with HOT water and an anti-bacterial hand soap. The tattoo should feel smooth when washed properly. If it feels rough or crusty, it’s because the dried blood, plasma and pigments have not been washed off.
Gently pat it dry with a clean towel or a paper towel (do NOT rub).
Apply a THIN layer of Aquaphor® Healing Ointment
Wrap your tattoo with a clean piece of plastic food wrap and tape.
Repeat this process every 4-6 hours for at least the next 24 hours (if your tattoo continues to ooze heavily after the first 24 hours it may be necessary to continue this process for an extra day or two).
Now that you’ve survived all of that, it’s time to remove the plastic food wrap for the last time and wash that tattoo up again with HOT water and anti-bacterial hand soap, pat it dry and then leave it alone.
Some things to keep in mind as your tattoo heals:
Keep your new tattoo clean. Wash it once or twice a day with warm water, anti-bacterial hand soap and just your hand. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel or a paper towel (again, do NOT rub).
As it heals, your tattoo will begin to flake and peel, when this begins to happen you can apply a THIN layer of fragrance-free/petroleum-free lotion 1 to 2 times a day (we like Cetaphil® Moisturizing Lotion). Just make sure your tattoo and hands are clean before you apply any lotion.
Do NOT pick or scratch your tattoo. Flaking, peeling and even scabbing is a natural part of the healing process.
Do NOT soak your tattoo in water while it’s healing (You can shower, but you CAN NOT take a bath, get in a hot tub, or go swimming in the ocean, a pool or river, etc.).
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it’s healing. After your tattoo has healed, always use sunblock while in the sun, preferably 45 SPF or greater.