AfterCare Instructions

​When You Get Home

If your artist used a “Second skin” bandage on your tattoo, leave it on for three to five days. Carefully peel off the film after the time span recommended by your artist, and proceed with the same directions.

• Wash your hands first! Your tattoo is an open wound.

• Be gentle when removing any plastic wrap, tape or second skin. If you are having any trouble removing it, you can run lukewarm water over the area until you are able to pull it and remove the bandage. 

• Use fragrance-free and alcohol free antibacterial soap and lather it up in your clean hands. Gently wash your tattoo and make sure that all blood, ink, lymph and plasma is removed. Be gentle! Do NOT use washcloths or loofas. 

• Rinse the area thoroughly with lukewarm water. 

• Dry your tattoo. You can let it air-dry or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel. DO NOT use a regular towel or any fabric, as they might stick to it or be harboring bacteria. 

•Apply a very thin layer of aftercare ointment. Avoid anything with added fragrance, alcohol or petroleum. Your skin needs to breath! 

•Make sure your bedding is clean throughout the healing process. You might want to use old or inexpensive sheets the first few days, since your tattoo may weep. If you wake up and your sheets or clothing is stuck to you, don't rip them off, but gently wet the area with lukewarm water until it comes loose. 

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Over The Next Couple of Weeks

• Keep your tattoo clean.

• Avoid hot showers! Hot water will cause pores to open, leaving new tattoo susceptible to bacterial infections and ink leakage.

• Avoid heavy exercise. Again, this can cause your pores to open, and gyms are full of other peoples bacteria. Ew.

• NO swimming or submerging tattoo under water until it is completely healed.

• NO sun bathing or tanning beds! 

• NO picking, scratching or rubbing the tattoo

• DO NOT allow anyone to touch your healing tattoo

Notes

• Your tattoo may peel or flake. This is normal

• DO NOT pick, scratch or rub your tattoo

• DO NOT shave the area until it is fully healed. 

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For The Rest of Your Life

• Wear sunscreen.

• Take care of your skin. Exfoliate regularly and moisturize daily. 

• Wear Sunscreen.

• Drink plenty of water. Help hydrate your skin from the inside out.

• WEAR SUNSCREEN. 

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Follow these instructions and enjoy your tattoo for the rest of your life!

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