Tattoo Aftercare.

After You Receive a Tattoo

1. Leave it coveredKeep the tattoo covered for 1 hour after the session.
2. Uncover carefullyRemove the wrapping gently and dispose of it properly. It has your body fluids on it.
3. WashWash with cold water and unscented standard soap (available at the shop). Remove all dried blood, excess ink and plasma with a gentle hand. Let it dry before applying aftercare.
4. Apply aftercareApply a tattoo aftercare product such as AfterInked, the main product we sell at the shop.
5. Keep it moisturizedAny time the tattoo feels dry or tight, massage a thin coat of aftercare into the skin, about 3 to 7 times a day. Some skin needs it more than others. Moisturized, never smothered or wet.
6. Let it peelIt will peel, and pieces of ink and dead skin will come off. This is normal. Do not pick or scratch. They fall off on their own or in the shower. Once peeled, keep using aftercare or switch to unscented lotion.
7. For lifeUse body lotion daily to keep your skin, and your tattoo, healthy for the long run.

Things to Remember

• A tattoo peels in a few days and looks like normal skin, but can take up to 4 months to fully heal deep down.
• Do not re-bandage or pile on thick aftercare. The tattoo needs to breathe to heal.
• Do not pick, slap or scratch it. That causes unnecessary damage.
• Avoid soaking the tattoo in water beyond washing it.
• Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds completely until fully healed. After that, cover it or use a sun block made for tattoos. We sell one called Color Guard.
• Keep it clean. Wash your hands every time before touching it.
• Wash with soap any time it sweats fluid or looks slimy, and after heavy sweating from exercise.
• Once fully healed it is pretty resilient. If permanent damage remains after a cut heals, talk to your artist. There may be a simple fix.
• All tattoos fade eventually, but you prolong them with sun block, moisturizer and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of yourself and your skin.