Tattoo Aftercare:
Recommended products to purchase for tattoo aftercare:
Purchase the product called "Tattoo Goo" for the first couple weeks. The ointment verses the lotion is this brand is preferred. You can alternately use an unscented lotion. "Cetaphil" or "Lubriderm" are the two products that I recommend. For soap, I recommend unscented and anti-bacterial. "Dial" gold soap is a good one. If any itching, stinging, or irritation occurs after using any of these products, discontinue use and wash the area with water to remove product completely. Contact me if you need recommendations for other products.
Remove bandage after 1-3 hours.
Your new tattoo is technically an open wound and it is very important to protect it from any non-hygienic environments.
Wash the area gently using warm water and a mild soap.
Use an antibacterial unscented soap. Then carefully dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a light amount of ointment (or lotion) over the entire tattoo, using clean hands, and wipe away any excess ointment (or lotion). The rule here is "less is more.” use just enough product so that oxygen can still easily penetrate your tattoo.
Use chosen ointment 2-3 times a day for 3-5 days.
Or until the tattoo has started to lightly peel. Do not remove the flakes as you apply your lotion.
Watch out for concerning signs.
Watch for any adverse results, such as “bubbling” on the surface of the tattoo. This may possibly be the result of too much ointment, which can lead to an adverse reaction. If this happens, immediately stop using any ointment and keep the tattoo clean and dry. Do not further irritate the tattoo by touching or scratching it. Contact me with an email for any concerns, as I can happily provide assistance. I have been tattooing since 2011. Please email me for advice. Please DON'T Google symptoms.
What Not To Do:
Do not soak or submerge tattoo underwater.
This includes baths, pools, lakes, etc. Showers are fine. Avoid exposure to these environments for 3 weeks.
Do not scratch or pick your tattoo.
You should avoid tampering with the tattoo unless you are washing it or applying lotion/ointment. If the tattoo is itchy, it may be dry and you should apply a small amount of approved lotion/ointment to it.
Do not let the tattoo dry out entirely before it has fully peeled.
drying out may lead to heavier scabbing, which in turn may also lead to more color loss and fading. Remember to apply lotion/ointment before sleeping at night.
Do not let people poke or prod at your highly decorative wound, AKA tattoo.
Allowing any form of unclean hand tampering can possibly lead to infection.
Do not over wash or over apply ointment.
Over irritating it can also give it a hard time.
*Aftercare instructions are helpful tips by your tattoo artist, but
are not officially approved by a doctor. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor
for any additional information or questions regarding wound care.
Questions? Email Me: