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Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
  • When you get home: Remove absorbent bandages within 3-8 hours after getting your tattoo. If your artist used a saniderm bandage (clear sticker) remove your bandage approximately 48 hours after getting your tattoo. Use warm water to help remove the saniderm.
  • Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, like an open wound.
  • Wash your tattoo with an unscented, anti-bacterial cleanser. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands. The tattoo may be slimy and this is normal. Gently clean the tattoo until it is no longer slimy.
  • Gently pat your tattoo dry with a new paper towel. Bathroom towels can harbour bacteria, so paper towel is best. Do not rub or be aggressive in drying
  • For the first 3-4 days: wash your tattoo every morning and every evening with unscented, antibacterial cleanser and rinse with water every few hours during the day patting dry with paper towel.
  • When the tattoo starts to flake (around day 3 or 4), you can apply a small amount of unscented moisturizer or ointment recommended by your artist.
  • Always use clean hands when applying moisturizer or ointment and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo. Apply the ointment so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. A thick layer of moisturizer can create an environment fo bacteria growth. Pat off any excess with a clean paper towel. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm.
  • On the first night, if you have removed an absorbent bandage, you may want to wrap your tattoo in saran wrap to prevent it from sticking to your bedding or clothing. Do not use any cloth bandages or pads, the fibres of this material can adhere to your open wound (tattoo) and hinder the healing process.
  • Wear clean, soft and loose 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, first wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for this period to prevent chafing and dirt from causing damage to the tattoo.
  • For comfort during the healing process you can also Ice or elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.

Things to Avoid

Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo!

You can shower, but avoid fragrant soaps and shampoos from washing over the tattoo if possible. You may not soak your tattoo for 3-4 weeks.

No swimming, soaking or hot tub.

You may not expose your tattoo to the sun or tanning beds 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 people or animals to touch your tattoo, unless they wash their hands. Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it and wash your tattoo after your workouts.

Be aware!

The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a rash or red, bumpy skin around the area where you have the tattoo. In some cases, your skin may just be irritated because of the needle, especially if you have sensitive skin. If this is the case, your symptoms should fade after a few days.

But if you experience one or more of the following and if these symptoms continue for a week or more, you should contact your artist and see your doctor:

  • fever
  • feeling waves of heat and cold, abnormal shivering
  • Redness and heat coming off the tattoo
  • swelling, pus, red lesions around or hard raised tissue on the area that was tattooed

Please contact your artist or the studio if you have any questions or concerns about your new Tattoo.