Before and After Care
Before You Arrive
- NO ALCOHOL OR BLOOD THINNERS THE DAY OF OR THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR TATTOO. This includes aspirin.
- No food or drink allowed in tattoo room itself.
- We recommend that you eat a real meal before you arrive.
- Wear clothing that makes it easy for the artist to access the area to be tattooed. If you have long hair, please wear it up and out of the way.
- Please arrive at your appointment on time, clean, and ready to start.
After Your Appointment
- 1 hour after your appointment, remove the bandage, wash your hands, and wash your tattoo with warm water and unscented soap (like Dial) using only your hands (no washcloth).
- Dry the tattoo by just gently patting it dry with a clean, paper towel (not with a bath towel).
- Apply a THIN amount of ointment (Aquaphor) up to 2 times a day. Avoid the use of triple antibiotic ointments like Neosporin or Bacitracin. These are too strong and could fade the tattoo.
THE FOLLOWING DAYS
- Continue to care for your tattoo this way every day for the following 2-3 days, or until your tattoo begins to peel.
- Once it begins to peel, stop using ointment and begin using a plain, unscented lotion like Lubriderm or Curel. Apply a very thin layer, just as you did with your ointment. Your tattoo needs to breath.
- Continue to use the lotion twice a day for the next 2 to 3 weeks.
GENERAL RULES FOR A NEW TATTOO
- Never scratch, pick, or slap a new tattoo.
- Keep tattoo covered while in the sun and use sunblock after it has healed.
- Do not expose to chlorine swimming pools, lakes, or beach waters.
- Do not soak in a sauna, steam, or tub. Yes, you can still shower.
- Remember that healing times will vary. So, if your healing is different than someone else you know, don’t worry. If you're concerned, please call us.