Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

1-3 hours after your tattoo appointment, remove the bandage and wash immediately.

  • For the FIRST TIME WASH do not use any soap other than an antibacterial & unscented variety, such as Dial Gold Antibacterial soap.
  • To wash your tattoo, turn on lukewarm water over the tattoo and slowly raise the temperature of the water to as hot as you can handle to open the pores.
  • Once you’ve reached this temperature, proceed with clean hands and gently wash the newly tattooed area with the recommended soap stated in the above paragraph.
  • After your tattoo has been cleansed properly, you may now lower the temperature back slowly as cold as you can tolerate to close the pores.
  • Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel, and allow to air dry. Once dry, apply a small amount of a recommended ointment/ lotion and massage well into the area. 

Recommended Ointments & Lotions

  • Unscented Lubriderm or Curel
  • Vitamin A & D ointment
  • Aquaphor (May cause breakouts for people with sensitive skin)


Wash normally with the recommended soap (antibacterial & unscented) and reapply ointment/ lotion 3-5 times daily for the initial 3 weeks after getting a tattoo for the piece to heal ideally.

Repeat the hot-then-cold water process if the tenderness persists.

Let the skin peel freely. Do NOT scratch or pick at flaky/scabbed skin on the tattooed area. If scabs form, allow them to peel on their own to prevent scarring or damaging the tattoo.

Avoid doing any of these activities for two to three weeks to maintain the integrity of your new tattoo and allow it to heal properly:

  • Excessive sun exposure (NO SUNSCREEN UNTIL FULLY HEALED)
  • Long showers
  • Hot tubs/ baths
  • Swimming
  • Direct contact with gym equipment
  • Wearing any clothing, undergarments, shoes that are tight fitting that could potentially rub on the fresh tattoo causing irritation or potentially scar the fresh tattoo

Even after the tattoo has healed, sun exposure and tanning will fade and discolor your tattoo. Always protect your tattoo with at least SPF 50 sunscreen to retain your tattoo’s vibrancy.


After your two or three weeks of healing, you may now schedule a touch up with Shannon for no extra costs if so desired!

WARNINGS


Bruising may occur.

Areas of skin that have a lot of movement and activity such as knees, elbow’s, ditch ext. can take longer to heal and are at greater risk of infection. Make sure to keep these ares moist with lotion and clean so they don’t dry out and crack during the healing process. Exposing your skin to potential infection.

Tattoos will leak plasma and excess ink during the healing process. Do not sleep on anything that you don’t want ruined.  Sleeping with a towel under fresh tattoo helps prevent the tattoo sticking to and ruining any sheets or clothing.

IF AT ANY POINT YOUR TATTOO BECOMES OVERLY RED, SWOLLEN, HOT TO TOUCH OR IRRITATED LOOKING, MESSAGE ME FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION.