When you get home: Remove bandage within 1 – 2 hours after getting your tattoo.

**Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like any open wound.**

• Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.
• Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel. Avoid rubbing or the use of anything abrasive.

The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of ointment on your tattoo.

• We suggest using Aquaphor, or an ointment designed specifically to heal tattoos.
• Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo.
• Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy- you want the thinnest amount possible.
• Pat off any excess ointment with a clean paper towel. DO NOT use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm. Wash, dry and apply ointment 2-3 times daily, as needed.
• Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks- nothing abrasive or irritating.
• For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, cover the tattoo with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for this period to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo.
• On the first night, you may want to use old bedding, or wear loose clothing that covers the tattoo, but allows the tattoo to still breathe. The tattoo may seep some ink and body fluids onto whatever it touches during the night.

After day 3 or 4: On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or perfumes. Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.

Things to Avoid:

• Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
• You can shower, but don’t soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking, or hot tub use.
• Do not over wash your tattoo. Wash no more than 2 times per day as it can dry out your skin.
• Do not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that use sun block.
• Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
• Do not let anyone touch your tattoo, unless they wash their hands.
• Beware of gym equipment: wash it well before using it.

You May Also:

• Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.
• Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.
• Take short showers.