After Care

Now that you’ve got an awesome, brand new tattoo, what comes next? Taking good care of it for the years to come.

Follow this tattoo aftercare guide for a stunning, healthy tattoo.

•  Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo. You should treat it like an It’s an open wound for the first two days, susceptible to all sorts of germs and bacteria, so you should always practice good hygiene.  
• 3-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop, gently remove the bandage your tattoo artist put on. Your new tattoo needs to breathe. 
• Use cold to lukewarm water when washing your tattoo. Hot water could potentially harm the tattooed area.   
• Use only your hands to wash your tattoo. Towels, washcloths, or loofahs are too harsh and will exfoliate your raw skin. Do not scrub. 
• If you are going to dry your tattoo, make sure you use a paper towel.   
• Use one A&D ointment for one tattoo, so there won’t be crossed infection between different tattoos. When applying ointment, don’t use excessive amounts. A thin, consistent layer should be enough. Rub it in so that it isn’t clumped on; you should have a very thin, even layer on your tattoo.

Remember to wash 2-3 times a day, and apply moisturizer on the tattooed area when it’s completely dry.

You should avoid the following to maintain a healthy, fabulous-looking tattoo:   

 Do NOT… 

• Scratch, peel, pick, rub your tattoo 
• Let your tattooed skin dry out 
• Soak in a hot tub or go swimming
• Expose your tattoo to the sun for the first 2-3 weeks 
• Wear tight clothing over your new tattoo, like bra straps or waistbands 
• Exercise the first few days 
• Shave on or near your new tattoo
• Wait to see a doctor. If your tattoo feels or looks infected, see a doctor ASAP