Tattoo Aftercare

Do:

Leave the tattoo bandaged for a minimum of 3 hours and no longer than 12 hours.
Remove bandage under warm running water. If bandage is stuck to the tattoo, gently remove it while under running water, therefore reducing the risk of damaging the tattoo.
Once bandage is removed, using an unscented soap, wash the tattoo off well with your hand and warm soapy water.
When done washing the tattoo off, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and allow the tattoo to air dry for about 5-10 minutes.
Apply Curel (Ultra healing/Fragrance free) or other unscented dry skin lotion to the tattoo 4-6 times a day.
The lotion can be applied to the tattoo about 3-4 times daily for about 10-14 days or until the tattoo is completely done peeling.
Somewhere between 3 and 6 days, the tattoo will start to flake off like tissue paper. Do not pick at or scratch. Let the skin peel naturally. You will notice small pieces of dry skin containing color coming off while using the lotion or washing the tattoo. This is normal - it is just the top layer of dead skin coming off. Your tattoo is not disappearing.

Do Not:

Re-bandage the tattoo once the bandage is completely removed.
Allow direct sunlight on tattoo for first 2-3 weeks.
Pick or scratch tattoo while it is peeling.
Soak the tattoo for 2 weeks.
Swim, take a bath, or enter a hot tub or sauna for 2 weeks or until the tattoo is completely peeled.
Shave or wax the area until tattoo is completely healed.
Apply alcohol, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) or sun block to fresh tattoo.
Put too much faith in commonsense advice: If you have questions, call or visit the artist that did your tattoo!

Some extra stuff:

Once you leave the shop, proper care of your tattoo is your responsibility.
Small amounts of color may appear on clothing or sheets for first few days.
When tattoo is peeling, color will appear in pieces of dry skin.
If the tattoo is in an area where it can be exposed to the air, allow it to breathe. Allowing the tattoo to breathe will help the healing. Your body and oxygen are going to heal the tattoo.
If possible, wear loose fitting clothing over tattoo and be careful not to suffocate tattoo with socks or pantyhose.

See Also