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AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
If you have any other questions about aftercare, please do not hesitate to contact the shop.
DAY 1
Your artist will wrap your tattoo with either plastic wrap or a bandage. Leave this wrapping on for at least 2-3 hours, and for a maximum of 5 hours unless otherwise stated by your artist.
Be sure to wash your hands before removing your bandage... then wash your hands again.
Using only your clean hands, gently wash your tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap. Never use a washcloth or anything abrasive to wash your fresh tattoo. Make sure to wash away all of the plasma and ointment that may be on your tattoo. Pat the area dry with a paper towel, making sure that there is no extra moisture on the tattoo. Do not dry your fresh tattoo with a bath towel, as they harbor bacteria.
After your tattoo is completely dry, apply the smallest amount of ointment to cover the area. A thin layer is all you need. We recommend Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
DAY 2-3
Repeat the process of washing it, patting it dry, and applying ointment for the first 2-3 days. Do this 2-3 times a day.
DAY 4-5
After 4-5 days your tattoo should no longer be an open wound and you can reduce the frequency of washing your tattoo to 1-2 times a day. At this point you can switch to an unscented hand lotion and apply that to your tattoo 2-3 times a day. We recommend using this lotion regimen for a least another 2 weeks to help the tattoo continue to settle into your skin.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your tattoo will flake, itch, and possibly scab while healing. This is completely normal and is not cause for concern.
Do not pick, scratch or pull off any scabs.
Do not soak your fresh tattoo for at least 2 weeks. This means showering is ok but NO baths, NO pools or hot tubs, NO saunas and NO open water like lakes, rivers or saltwater.
Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo. If your tattoo is fresh, keep it covered under clothing while out in the sun. Once it is healed, you can apply a high SPF sunblock on your tattoo. The sun will age your tattoo very quickly if not cared for properly.
Your tattoo should be fully healed and settled in about a month.
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