Tattoo aftercare & healing - taking care of your new tattoo

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It is important to take vigilance to protect your investment in your new piece of art. Proper tattoo aftercare is essential to the healing process and longevity of your new piece. 

RECOMMENDED AFTERCARE ESSENTIALS:

Before your appointment it is recommended that you purchase the following at your local drugstore:

Softsoap or Dial gold antibacterial liquid soap

Either Aquaphor ointment or Coconut oil

Unscented lotion such as Eucerin, Lubriderm, Cetephil, Cocoa Butter, etc 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Upon leaving the tattoo shop your tattoo will be wrapped to keep it clean and protected. DO NOT peel back the covering until you are home and able to thoroughly wash your new tattoo and start the aftercare regimen; however, you should also not keep this covering on for more than two hours. 

WASH YOUR HANDS

WASH your new tattoo with your fingertips only. DO NOT use any washcloths, loofahs, etc 

either air DRY, or gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel

APPLY OINTMENT by rubbing it into your tattoo like a lotion. DO NOT apply too much ointment, if it is shiny or goopy you have too much on

REPEAT 3-5 TIMES A DAY FOR THE NEXT 3-5 DAYS

after it has gotten to the point it is starting to peel or flake you may switch to your unscented lotion of choice

KEEP HYDRATED with lotion for the remainder of the healing process to combat itching and keep your skin healing properly

It is normal for your new tattoo to itch and peel. DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK AT YOUR SKIN OR TATTOO AS IT HEALS.

Normal showering is fine while your tattoo heals, however it is not recommended to soak in the bathtub, to go swimming, or to submerge your tattoo in water until it has healed. Generally it is recommended to avoid submersion for about 2 weeks.

THE USE OF SUNSCREEN IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ON HEALED TATTOOS. Taking excellent care of your tattooed skin can keep your tattoo looking its best.

Please contact Lauren if you have any questions in regard to healing your tattoo. She is more than happy to help her clients out and would rather you ask her than have you ask a friend, stranger, or google. Lauren is not a doctor or healthcare professional; if you think your tattoo is infected, please contact your doctor.