Most tattoo shops will have you cover your new tattoo with a bandage for 4-8 hours to prevent exposure to bacteria. Although this is a common practice, what it actually does is suffocate the tattoo and does not allow the blood to clot. If bandaged, one hour will be more than enough.

It is also very important to make sure your hands are clean when removing your bandage. A lot of shops will tell you to wash your new tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. What this does is the warm water opens your pores and can irritate your skin. Cold water use is what we recommend.   The use of soap can dry out the skin and cause discomfort.  The use of antibacterial soap is fine but you want to avoid scrubbing or excessive rubbing.  We recommend continuing to dab your new tattoo with a cold water compress for at least the first 2 days, every 4-6 hours. The cold water will relieve discomfort and close your pores.  During the first 2 days you will want to apply an A & D ointment or a triple antibiotic ointment every 4-6 hours. After the first 2 days you will want to switch to a fragrance free lotion (with vitamin E) to keep the tattoo moisturized.

Aftercare will vary slightly from tattoo to tattoo, so make sure to go over your personalized instructions with your artist directly.

• A few important things to remember through your healing process:
• NO tanning, NO pools, NO spas, NO baths, NO swimming, NO perfumes, NO fragranced anything!!!
• DO NOT, scratch, slap, itch or pick at your tattoo…..or else!!
• You must wait 2/3 weeks before doing any of these things.
• If you have any questions about the healing process, please do not hesitate to ask your artist.