Instructions for  care of your new tattoo:  

Remove bandage 3 to 4 hours after tattoo, just before cleaning*.  

Do not re-bandage after cleaning. Wash gently by hand then blot 

dry with a clean towel / or clean paper towels.

 *Wash your hands before cleaning, touching, or putting lotion on 

your tattoo. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will 

exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your clean hands. 

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First 2 days: 

Gently wash by hand 2 to 3 times per day with a mild soap such as 

baby soap, Baby Dr. Bronner’s, or an anti-bacterial soap (Dial) and 

water. Try to use a soap that is fragrance free, alcohol free, and for 

sensitive skin. 

After washing pat dry with a freshly cleaned towel or paper 

towels. . Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface, only pat or blot dry. 

* wash at least once daily while tattoo is healing 

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Starting on day 2: 

Apply a scent free lotion 2 to 4 times per day. Rub into skin 

completely, being careful to not use too much, if needed pat 

excess off with a paper towel. 

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Recommended lotions: Curel Fragrance Free lotion or Lubriderm 

Fragrance Free lotion.

For natural healing: Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter. 

Do not use excessive amounts of lotion. 

Do not use petroleum jelly or Vaseline. 

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If a scab forms do not pick it, let it fall off naturally. 

Tattoos go through a “peeling” stage, dry skin flakes off the new 

tattoo; this is part of the healing process. 

 

Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first two weeks: nothing abrasive, irritating, or clingy.

 

After the tattoo has healed, hand lotion can be used to keep the 

tattoo looking bright, keeping the needed moisture in the skin. 

Direct UV rays and sunlight will fade tattoos, for the first 2 weeks 

do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. After the 2 

weeks use a high numbered SPF sun block to avoid future fading.  

Over time with aging the pigment will change. 

If persistent redness, fever, or rash occurs contact your artist, a 

doctor, or the shop immediately. These can be signs of an 

infection. 

Things to avoid: 

    •Do not touch your tattoo with unwashed hands. 

    •Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo. 

    •Clean water while washing is good for your tattoo. Lake, river, 

     ocean, chemical treated, or shared water are not good for the 

     first two weeks. 

    •You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least two 

     weeks, after that you must use sun block. 

    •Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub 

     against your tattoo. 

    •Do not let anyone touch your tattoo, unless they wash their 

     hands. 

    •Beware of dirty gym equipment, dirty surfaces, or surfaces 

     (couches, beds) where pets lay. 

    • 

You can also: 

    •Take Ibuprofen for the swelling. 

    •Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling

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