Aftercare

Things to do:

-Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!

-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 clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

-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 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 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 you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub.

-You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must 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 can also:

-Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.

-Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.

-Take short showers.

 

If you do not take care of your tattoo, it may become infected or damaged. Infections are very red around the outside of the tattoo and may have thin red lines extending from it. It may ooze, pus, or bleed abnormally. If you think your tattoo is infected, seek medical attention immediately.