Tattoo Aftercare

Leave bandage on for a minimum of 4 hours to a maximum of 10 hours. This allows your skin to build up its protective layer against bacteria and germs. When you remove the bandage there will be ink on it — this is normal! If you are using second skin or saniderm, you can leave the bandage on for up to 24hrs.

Wash hands with an antibacterial soap before removing the bandage. Never re-bandage the tattoo.

Wash the tattoo with Dial anti-bacterial soap or a neutral soap such as Neutrogena. Gently use your hands to rub soap over the tattoo. Never use a washcloth. Always wash hands before cleaning tattoo.

Pat dry the tattoo with a towel. Never rub your tattoo dry. This will help avoid pulling any of the ink out of the skin that may be attached to a scab.

Clean your tattoo 3 to 5 times a day for the first 5-7 days or until healed.

When the tattoo begins to scab and dry out, apply lotion. You want to keep the tattoo moist but not wet.

When choosing a lotion you must choose one with no fragrances and no acne or oil removers. We recommend that you use Lubriderm or Moisturel, which are both a basic dry skin lotion with no additives that may react with your tattoo. We have found that some intensive dry skin lotions contain additives that react with tattoo ink causing the ink to reject.

The average healing time is anywhere from 7 to 14 days.

Never pick your scabs no matter how itchy they may become. Lightly slap the tattoo to get rid of the itch.

Touch-ups are free for the following 6 months after your procedure, except for feet and hand tattoos.