This is a general overview of how to care for your new tattoo. In addition to these recommendations, please follow any specific aftercare instructions from your tattoo artist.
Leave the bandage on until you are in a sanitary place to wash your tattoo. Wear the bandage for at least one hour, no more than 10 hours.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water then create a soapy lather and lather up your tattoo.
Wash away all soap, any ointment, blood, or excess ink. Only use your hands, no washcloth or sponge. Pat dry with a clean towel. Repeat twice daily for 14 days.
After 24 hours, put a thin coat of water-based hand lotion on your tattoo each time after you wash it.
Your new tattoo will get a light scab and that scab will peel off like a sunburn. Do not pick the scab, let the scab come off on its own time. If you pick the scab off you will pull pigment out of your tattoo.
Most tattoos will heal in 10 to 14 days. The deeper tissue takes 12 to 16 weeks to heal. Sometimes the tattoo will appear ‘shiney’ until the deeper tissue is healed.
For the entire 14-day healing period:
• No baths, showers only.
• No hot tub or swimming pools.
• Do not submerge your tattoo in water.
• Do not pick off the scab.
• Do not touch your tattoo unless you are washing it.
• Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo until it’s healed.
• Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds.
• Do not wear any jewelry or tight-fitting clothing over your healing tattoo.
• Do not put anything except for soap, water, or lotion on your tattoo until it is healed.
For the extended care and maintenance of your tattoo drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin regularly. Wear 80+ SPF sunblock when your tattoo will be exposed to the sun and cover your tattoo completely while tanning.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us. (816)421-4833 (12pm – 8pm) 7 days a week.