It is essential your new tattoo is kept clean, allowed to breathe, and the skin kept slightly moist during the healing process. We have outlined the general instructions on caring for your tattoo.
To prevent infection, ALWAYS wash your hands before handling a fresh tattoo.
Wash the tattooed area, 2-3 times a day (morning, night, and once more if possible), using an antibacterial soap with warm water. Use either a paper towel or clean towel to gently pat the tattoo dry.
After each wash, apply an ointment such as Aquaphor, Cetaphil, or a product designed for tattoo aftercare such as Hustle Butter, Tattoo Goo, etc. Less is more, so only a thin layer is needed.
DO NOT use antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. It will pull out the ink.
You may switch to a non-scented lotion after the tattoo begins to feel itchy and dry.
You do not need to wrap your tattoo while it is healing.
Try to avoid any activity that would put a higher amount of strain on the area of the fresh tattoo. It is advised to alter any workout routines to exclude or limit used of freshly tattooed areas. This is to prevent blowouts and ink migration.
DO NOT expose your tattoo to any standing water (i.e. baths, pools, ocean, lakes, rivers, large puddles, etc.). You can still shower, just try not to let your fresh tattoo stay in the stream of water for any longer than it takes to wash it.
DO NOT expose your tattoo to the sun or any other UV light any more than necessary. Once your tattoo is healed, it is advised to use an SPF product on it to prevent fading. Only use SPF when your tattoo is FULLY HEALED!
Getting a tattoo causes damage to the topmost layer of skin. As the tattoo heals, this layer will begin to flake and peel. You will see the tattoo colors in the flakes of skin. This is perfectly normal! Your tattoo is NOT flaking off. The tattoo is actually in the second layer of skin, the dermis. The epidermis, or topmost skin layer, will regrew fresh, new skin over your tattoo.
If you have any questions about caring for your new tattoo, please feel free to contact us!
