AFTERCARE
Your Artist has taken great care in providing you with a sterile and clean tattoo.
Please follow the below aftercare instructions to ensure your tattoo heals properly.
Following the removal of the bandage (2-5 days)
Remove the bandage (This best suggested at the end of a shower). Use lukewarm water and mild soap to wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive, your hand is your best tool in this case. If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma. Try to gently remove as much of this as possible - when the plasma dries on the skin surface, it creates scabs. Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN towel or paper towel to get it completely dry.
Lotion
Your tattoo will start to get dry, itchy, and flakey following the removal of your bandage. At this point you will need to apply a thin layer of lotion. If you prefer, you can use Tattoo Goo or an unscented lotion such as Lubriderm for your tattoo aftercare, as long as the lotion you are using is dye and fragrance free. Apply lotion to your new tattoo for 5-8 days. Be sure not to apply lotion before your skin gets dry and flakey.
Bathing, Showering, Hot Tubs, Sun and Tanning
Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet - just don't soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage, so you‘ll want to avoid those for 2 weeks. Showering is perfectly fine, as long as you don't soak your tattoo or the bandage for too long. Once your bandage is removed, if you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, rinse & remove it quickly with water.
Swimming & Sun - whether it be a pool, fresh water or salt water - It should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. The sun will dry out your tattoo. Do not put sun-screen on it for 2 weeks, lotion only. keep your new tattoo out of the tanning booth and the sun for 2 weeks. Applying sunscreen to your tattoo when in the sun after the healing time will help prolong the vibrancy of your tattoo. Really, keeping it out of the sun is always best!