Day of tattoo

1.Remove bandage 2 hours after finishing. (remove when step 2  and 3 can be completed)
2.Wash gently with fingers and anti-bacterial soap (If available).
3.Let air dry for the rest of the day. No ointment needed.

 

 

Day after tattoo

1.The next morning do not apply ointment.

2. For the first 48 hours ointment SHOULD NOT BE USED.
3.After day 3 ointment should only be applied when tattoo looks completely dried out, will need 2-3 applications depending on size and detail of tattoo.
4.Make sure you are washing your tattoo once a day to remove any leaking fluid or dried blood.
5.If tattoo gets dirty or sweaty wash with warm water or anti-bacterial soap (if available) and apply ointment an hour later.

6.If you are having a morning shower, only apply ointment a few hours after shower, NOT BEFORE or RIGHT AFTER

 

 

 

Week after tattoo

(If you have a technique that has worked in the past you should consult your artist and use the trusted technique)

 

1.Wash gently with two fingers as needed to keep area clean. Your discretion will be needed for this step as dirty environments may require this 2-3 times daily, as where a clean environment with loose non sticking clothing will not require this step at all.
2.Apply ointment as needed to achieve a slightly moist tattoo but not smothered. If too much ointment has been applied just wipe off excess and rub in around tattoo until area can breath
3.Air dry for at least 1 hour minimum after showering and before applying ointment.
4.You should only apply ointment for as many days as it takes for your tattoo to peel, this process will take anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on your body and the area of skin
5.After the tattoo area is done peeling and is only flaking skin you can treat with moisturizers (Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, Jergens, or Vaseline Intensive care)to help with peeling skin.

 

 

 

What not to do

1.Do not let tattoo be exposed to direct sunlight, chlorine, fragrances or hot water
2.Do not pick at scabs or peeling skin
3.Do not cover tattoo for any reason other than clothing (examples: NO band aids, saran wrap, or paper towel)
4.Do not scratch tattoo
5.Do not scrub and only pat dry
6.Do not use Vaseline or Polysporin
7.Do not swim or bath, smothering or water logging tattoo
8.Constant friction will cause tattoo irritation and bad healing
9.Make sure that moisture doesn't get trapped under the ointment (hence the air-drying after showers)
10.Keep away from animals and clean of their dander.

 

 
Signs of good/normal healing tattoo
1.Area can be a little sore, swollen or bruised the next day depending on skin type, area of tattoo, size and detail. Most commonly only slight pain will be experienced the next day
2.Area will lose/peel a top layer of colour skin in the first week
3.Area will flake in second week of healing much like a sunburn
4.Tattoo will lose fluid at first--this is normal (i.e. leaking on bed sheets)
5.Tattoo will be very itchy in second week

 

 

 

Signs of tattoo healing complications
1.Tattoo can develop a red trim around it (this most commonly a small reaction to ointment or tattoo being dirty for prolonged periods)
2.Tattoo area can become pimply, redden and become inflamed (this is most commonly a allergic reaction to ointment)
3.Should any "bubbling" of your tattoo occur, you should stop using ointment. This bubbling is caused from moisture (usually too much ointment!) getting trapped in your tattoo, and could lead to scabbing.
4.If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them. It is very important that they are allowed to dry out completely, and not at any time get water-logged. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, and your tattoo should be fine if you keep the scabs dry
5.If current ointment is not working call your artist or try using A&D ointment
6.Neglect  If you dont practice good personal hygiene, pick your tattoo, let clothing stick to it, scrub your healing tattoo in the shower your tattoo will NOT look nice when it heals.
7.Youre health If you have immunity deficiencies, blood disorders such as diabetes, or are on certain medications such as steroids or blood thinners your tattoo could be affected, it is a good idea to consult your doctor if you suspect there may be a problem.
8.Exposure to toxins/bacteria If you work/live in an environment with dirt and filth you run the risk of infection, nursing homes/hospitals, being around animals, toxic metals/chemicals, and filth of all kind can cause SERIOUS infections, be smart and use common sense . If you have a tattoo on your hand/forearm and you work on a farm or change a diaper you run the risk of an infection . The possibilities are endless .
9.Damaged skin  If your skin is weak, sun damaged or thin it will cause the tattoo to heal badly