TATTOO AFTERCARE

Treat your new tattoo as an open wound. Always Keep it clean and Do not touch the healing tattoo with dirty hands. Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo for any reason.

•Before cleaning the new tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.

•2 hours after the tattoo was originally bandaged, remove the bandage/covering. 

•Using mild, unscented, antibacterial soap and warm water, gently and carefully cleanse the tattooed  area. Rinse it, then PAT it dry (do not rub the tattoo with a dry towel). Allow it to air-dry for a few  minutes. 

•Apply a thin layer of aftercare lotion such as Hustle Butter, Coconut Oil, etc. to the tattoo by gently working it into the entire tattoo. Leave the tattoo uncovered and open. DO NOT APPLY A NEW  BANDAGE OR COVERING to the tattoo unless necessary to avoid it becoming damaged or dirty. 

•Each day, clean the tattoo a minimum of 3 - 5 times, applying your chosen aftercare lotion/ointment immediately once the tattoo is dry after cleaning. 

•In the time between washings, apply aftercare lotion/ointment to the tattoo any time it seems to be  drying out, cracking, feeling tight, etc. You want your tattoo to remain clean and moisturized throughout the healing process. 

•Repeat cleaning and moisturizing routine daily until the tattoo is completely healed. •Healing times vary from person to person, but an average healing time is about 2 weeks.

•Be diligent in your aftercare to minimize loss of pigment and need for touch-ups. 

•DO NOT PICK at the tattoo as it heals. Doing so will pull ink out, and will negate the offer of a free  touch up by your artist. 

•Itching is to be expected. It is annoying, but DO NOT SCRATCH IT. 

•Avoid direct sunlight. Do NOT go tanning. Do NOT apply sunblock while the tattoo is healing.  Wear light, loose clothing over the tattooed area during the healing process. 

•Do NOT go swimming while the tattoo is healing, or allow it to soak in any water. Absolutely no  chlorine pools or hot tubs. 

Consult a health professional if any of the following occur: 

•Unexpected redness, tenderness, or swelling. Some redness localized to the tattooed area is  normal. Redness should not spread to other areas around the tattoo 

•Rash on or around the tattoo 

•Puss or other unexpected drainage from the tattoo 

•Fever within 24 hours