Tattoo Aftercare
The First Day: If a bandage was put on your tattoo by your artist, take it off no later than one hour after receiving the tattoo. When you get home, wash the tattoo with warm anti-bacterial soap and water and let the tattoo air-dry for at least an hour. After air-drying, apply a THIN layer of unscented hand lotion or H2Ocean. If too much ointment is used the tattoo will appear to be leaking. If this happens gently pat it with a dry paper towel. Do not apply lotion before going to bed, unless you want to stick to your sheets.
The Healing Process: For the first week, wash your tattoo two to three times daily and use unscented hand lotion or H2Ocean tattoo aftercare three to four times daily. You can then switch to a fragrance free lotion (be sure to read the labels!) for the next two to three weeks. Peeling, itching, and scabbing may occur, and this is totally normal. Do not pick at or itch the scabs or peeling skin. No sun or chlorine for two to three weeks. If you are a frequent tanner, cover your tattoo with a paper towel before hopping into the tanning booth while it heals.
NEVER pick at the scabs. This will cause serious discoloration.
NEVER use Vaseline or Neosporin on your healing tattoo.
DO NOT swim in chlorinated water or tan with your new tattoo. This will cause serious discoloration also.
IT’S OKAY to shower. A clean tattoo is a good thing!