General Tattoo Care

(please note, we DO NOT do piercing at this time, so if you have questions, please ask your piercer, not us!)

1) Remove bandage after 2-4 hours.
2) Wash thoroughly and gently with soap and hot water, pat dry.
3) Do not re-bandage, leave uncovered.
4) Use a small amount of non-greasy lotion to relieve dryness.
(Use just enough to moisturize tattoo, but don't drown it-you can even forgo lotion completely.)

[note: Perfumed lotions & soaps can be irritating to a fresh tattoo, so be sure to use something that is additive free, like Lubriderm & Ivory, respectively.]

5)Repeat steps 2-4 at least three times a day. If tattoo feels hot and itchy, don't scratch- a good washing should relieve the discomfort.

KEEP YOUR FINGERS OFF OF IT UNLESS YOU'RE WASHING IT!

As the tattoo heals, it will shed a few layers of dead skin and scabbing. These layers can make the tattoo look a little cloudy or shiny at first, and they may be colored (from the pigment in your tattoo). Don't worry- that will clear up after the healing process is complete.

Fresh tattoos are vulnerable to injury and infection until completely healed. Avoid scratching, sunburns, chemicals, and other minor injuries.

DO NOT-Expose to direct sunlight
DO NOT-Pick or scratch the tattoo
DO NOT-Expose to dirt or unsanitary conditions
DO NOT-Wear tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo
DO NOT-Apply Vaseline or other petroleum products
DO NOT-Enter swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, or steam baths

Aside from picking and/or scratching, swimming, saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, etc. are the biggest danger to a fresh tattoo. Along with the bleaching effects of chlorine and salt water, warm wet environments are havens for harmful bacteria.

Remember! How good the tattoo looks depends greatly on how well it heals, and that is dependent on how well you take care of it!

Touch-ups due to negligence are not free! (And we'll be able to tell!)