TATTOO PREP
DO
~Hydrate prior to your appointment.
~Keep the area moisturized in the days before your tattoo.
~Bring a friend to your tattoo session.
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DON'T
~Drink alcohol for 24 hours before your tattoo.
TATTOO AFTERCARE
DO
~Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry with clean paper towel before cleaning or touching your fresh tattoo. For additional protection, also wipe hands with isopropyl alcohol.
~Use clean paper towels rather than towels as they may contain bacteria from previous use.
~The bandage stays on for a minimum of 2 hours. It's okay to leave it on overnight.
~After removing your bandage, gently wash tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water, rinse with cold water. Dry thoroughly. Apply thin layer of Aquaphor for no more than 2-3 days. Then use an unscented moisturizer (I like Lubriderm) or a tattoo aftercare product.
~Wash tattoo twice a day (am and pm) with antibacterial soap.
~Keep moisturized throughout the healing process (3-5 times daily).
~If your tattoo sticks to sheets or clothing, soak the cloth with water and gently remove.
~Wear loose-fitting, soft, clean clothing to keep from rubbing or irritating your new tattoo.
DON'T
~Do not pick at any scabs on the tattoo! This could remove ink.
~Do not scratch, no matter how itchy!
~Avoid soaking in water (bathtub, hot tub, lake, ocean) for at least one month to prevent bacterial infection.
~Avoid direct sun, especially for the first two weeks. Use a high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo if you absolutely cannot avoid sun exposure.
~Avoid tanning for at least a month.
~Wash after heavy sweating.
EXPECT
~Ink and plasma may ooze and pool at the surface, especially the first day. No worries. Gently wash, wipe with a clean paper towel and re-apply ointment or lotion.
~Slight swelling, redness, and soreness may occur for a week or so.
~Thin scabs may form, this is completely normal. DO NOT PICK AT THE SCAB! You may pull ink out of the tattoo if you do.
~Itching is normal. DO NOT SCRATCH, apply lotion.
~Shading may fade during the healing process.
~The tattoo should be completely healed in four weeks.