DO NOT LISTEN to the aftercare suggestions from anyone other than your tattoo artist since they are not responsible for your tattoo!
REMOVE BANDAGE after two hours.
GENTLY CLEAN ointment and fluids off of your tattoo. AVOID SCRUBBING the area with wash cloths, loofahs, or body wash with exfoliating beads. AVOID SHAVING or hair removal while tattoo is healing. AVOID BAR SOAPS because they can transfer bacteria to the tattoo.Wash hands with warm soapy water then using your fingertips
ICE YOUR TATTOO with a clean, sealed bag directly ON AND OFF every 15 minutes until the tattoo has been iced for ONE HOUR. Continuation of ice is suggested for up to 3 days as needed.
DRY OVERNIGHT. Then the FOLLOWING EVENING, start to APPLY "fragrance free" LOTION WITHOUT ALOE (such as Curel, Lubriderm, or Aveeno Unscented). Apply 2-3 times daily, or as needed, if itching. DO NOT USE oils, Vitamin E, Vasoline, salves, Neosporin, thick petroleum based products, sunscreen, or anything other than your lotion for 2-4 weeks.Allow tattoo to
PEEL AND FLAKE but shouldn't scab. DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR SCRATCH your tattoo! DO NOT TOUCH with dirty hands. DO NOT let others touch the area! DO NOT wear tight or binding clothing, jewelry, accessories, or sporting gear over the tattoo! And DO NOT EVER RE-BANDAGE the tattoo!
DO NOT EXPOSE your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds. DO NOT SOAK OR ENTER into baths, hot tubs, saunas, pools, lakes, oceans, or any body of water for 2-3 weeks. BRIEF SHOWERS are suggested! YOUR TATTOO SHOULD BE PATTED DRY with a clean towel to remove moisture from area.
BE CAREFUL and AVOID CONTACT with gym or sporting equipment, yoga mats, dance poles, aerial hoops, shared props, etc. while healing because the tattoo can become an entry point for bacterial and fungal infections from contact with germs and sweat!