It is quite easy to take care of your new tattoo. Simply follow the step by step instructions to ensure your tattoo heals properly.

A tattoo typically takes about 2 weeks to heal

THE BASICS:

Wash your tattoo once or twice a day with soap and warm water. Use A&D 4 times a day for the first 2 days. For the remaining 2 weeks us any tattoo aftercare ointment, or an unscented hand lotion 4 to 6 times a day.

STEP BY STEP:

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. (Do this every time before you touch your tattoo for the next 2 weeks.)

2. Remove the bandage about 1 hour after you leave the shop.

3. Gently wash the tattoo with soap and warm water just using your hands or fingertips for about 20 seconds. Rinse the tattoo to remove soap.

4. Pat dry with a clean/new paper towel.

5. once dry apply a very thin coat of A&D to the tattoo. DO NOT apply thick and goopy. Thinner is better.

-Use the A&D for the first 2 days. 4 times a day

once in the morning when you wake up, once at lunch, once at diner, and once before bed.

6. On day 3 switch to an unscented lotion. Brand doesn't matter, but make sure it is fragrance free. Use the lotion just like the A&D. 4 times a day until the tattoo is healed. If the tattoo begins to feel dry, it is OK to use the lotion a few extra times through the day. You can also use any approved tattoo aftercare ointment or lotion during this phase of the healing. DO NOT USE VASELINE.

DO NOT Soak your tattoo in water for the first 2 weeks. Washing the tattoo, and showers are fine. BUT NO SWIMMING, NO BATHS, or SAUNAS.

While healing the tattoo will usually form a scab over the tattoo. As the tattoo heals this scab will peal and flake off. IT may become itchy.

DO NOT Pick or scratch the tattoo, or the scabs that may form on the tattoo. These scabs are a normal part of the healing. They are there for a reason. They will naturally flack off when they are ready through the healing process.

DO NOT cover or rebandage your tattoo once you remove the initial bandage. Loose fitting cloths over the tattoo is fine, But avoid anything that will be skin tight. You want to allow the tattoo to breathe.

any questions or concerns while healing your new tattoo, please contact us. We are always happy to help. There are no dumb question.

If you wash your tattoo this will remove the A&D, or Lotion. Follow the 4 times a day application. But if you need to wash the tattoo or shower off schedule simply reapply, then go back to following the normal routine.

-It is not uncommon for the tattoo to "sweat" a little color the first day or 2. Especially at night if you end up sleeping on the tattoo. Hot weather, covering the tattoo, or Applying the A&D to thick are other common reasons for color sweat. Remember you want your healing tattoo to breathe. The color sweat, if it happens, should stop by time you switch to using lotion.

-GOING TO THE GYM, EXERCISE, AND SWEATING.

It is HIGHLY recommended to avoid heavy sweating for the first 48 hours. After that workouts are fine. When exercising with a healing tattoo, avoid movements that will put unnecessary stress on the skin. for example: If you have a back tattoo, sit ups may not be the best exercise to do while the tattoo is healing. Or with a fresh chest tattoo, using the butterfly machine may not be good. This will cause the skin to stretch and contract repeatedly. This can cause damage to the tattoo, having a similar affect to picking at your tattoo. Or this can cause the scabs to crack, which can result in light or blank spots in the tattoo. This also can sometimes cause a spiderweb effect of missing color through the tattoo. When doing a specific exercise if you can feel your tattoo getting tight. it is best to avoid that exercise for a few days. You can try the exercise again a few days later. If the skin no longer feels tight on, or near the tattoo it should be fine to add it back into your workout. Finally, anytime you do workout or get sweaty remember to wash your tattoo with soap and water to keep it clean, and reapply your lotion.

SUNLIGHT

Do not over expose your healing tattoo to sunlight. Especially in the summer. an hour hear or there is fine, But if you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, wear lose fitting cloths that will cover it from the sun. or try to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Once the tattoo is healed it is highly recommended that you apply sunscreen to your tattoo any time it will be exposed to the sun for a long period of time. SUN FADES COLOR, even black. But reds, oranges, and yellows are the most affected. SPF of 30 to 35 is recommended. Doing this will ensure that your tattoo stays bold and bright throughout your life. Also if you are good about it you should never need a touch up.