How To Care For Your New Tattoo
Once the tattoo is complete, the artist will cover it with a see-through bandage called Recovery Derm. It is recommended to keep the bandage on for at least 24 to 72 hours, but longer is better.
When removing the bandage, there will be a small amount of liquid underneath. Wash the area thoroughly with hot water and mild, unscented soap. Let the area air dry or pat it dry with clean paper towels. Avoid using regular towels, as they are not sterile and can leave tiny pieces of fabric stuck in the tattoo.
Throughout the day, use a basic unscented lotion to keep the tattoo moisturized. Any brand will work, such as Aveeno, Lubriderm, Eucerin, Nivea, or a store brand. Avoid using Bacitracin, Neosporin, A&D ointment, or anything medicated, as the body will naturally heal the tattoo.
After a few days, the tattoo will start to scab lightly and then peel. Let the peeling happen naturally; do not pick or scratch the tattoo. The less you touch it, the better it will heal.
Do not cover the tattoo again after the first day. If you must cover it, wear something light and protective, such as a soft T-shirt. Keep the area clean and avoid contact with pets or direct sunlight. Do not submerge the tattoo in water of any kind until it is fully healed.
If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response.
If something doesn’t look perfect
After your tattoo is finished healing, we’ll do our best to make it right. Sometimes with excessive scabbing, or other unpredictable reactions during healing, your skin can reject some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line might get thinner or lighter in one spot). This is common as its unlikely your body will accept every spot of pigment uniformly, so just contact your artist via email after your tattoo is finished healing with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order. Unless you were negligent during the care of your tattoo, touch-ups are very minor and quick, and guaranteed by our artists if you contact them about it within 3 months of getting the tattoo. Because older tattoos that have settled in fully and aged require more work to make uniform, we suggest coming in as soon as possible when it’s healed, as touch ups are performed for a fee at the artist’s discretion after 3 months.
While we deal with the healing of tattoos often, we are not doctors, and can only give guidelines on tattoo care, not medical advice.