Please adhere to the following any time after getting a new tattoo:

Respect the Ink

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  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
  • When you get home: Remove bandage within 2-3 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage.
  • Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.
  • Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.
  • The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of ointment on your tattoo. You may use H2Ocean, Aquaphor, or whatever you know you’re not allergic to. Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo. Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. Pat off any excess ointment with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum or Bag Balm. Wash, dry and apply ointment 3-5 times daily, as needed.
  • On the first night, you may want to wear lose-fitted clothing to prevent sticking to your bedding. Do not use any cloth bandages or pads, as the fibers of this material can adhere to your open tattoo and hinder the healing process.
  • Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating. For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, first, cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. But we would greatly recommend avoiding shoes altogether until healed if possible. Avoid sandals or flip flops for this period to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo.
  • After day 4: On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes like coco butter or lubraderm. 
  • Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.