How you care for your new tattoo in the weeks following the appointment is equally as important to how your tattoo was applied!

 If a tattoo is improperly cared for during the healing process it may not look the best once it's done healing. Keep in mind while your tattoo heals, a fresh tattoo is basically an open wound. So it is susceptible to infection. However, if you follow the aftercare and take measures to keep your new tattoo as clean as possible you should have no issues.

• After your tattoo is done, your artist will place a bandage over your tattoo. You can take the bandage off after 2-4 hours unless otherwise instructed by your artist.

• Once you remove the bandage, wash the tattoo thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

• Apply a very very very very thin coat of ointment. One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too much ointment. Which is counterproductive because it can actually prolong healing. The ointment is only meant to keep the skin moist. More ointment does not make your tattoo heal faster. In this case, less is more. We like A&D or Aquaphor. DO NOT use Neosporin or triple antibiotic creams. These ointments have properties that can take color out of a tattoo.

• For the first three or four days you will repeat the washing and ointment application three times a day.

• After the first 3-4 days the tattoo will begin flaking and you can switch to an unscented lotion. Like with the ointment, you want to rub the lotion in well and not apply too much.

• Do not pick at any flaking skin or scabs. This may cause color to be pulled out. NO MATTER HOW TEMPTING IT MAY BE..... DO NOT PICK AT THE FLAKING SKIN.!! We can tell when you've picked at your tattoo.  Your body forms scabs as part of the healing process and knows how to get rid of them. It does not need your help.

• Avoid pet hair. We all love a good cuddle with our furry friends, but pet hair is the #1 way people get their tattoos infected. If you sleep with an animal or can’t avoid pet hair, we recommend wrapping your tattoo. If you must, you can wrap your tattoo in Saran Wrap and secure with tape or tight- fitting clothing like a sock on your foot or compression shirt. Be sure to change the wrap 2-3 times per day. If you do choose to wrap your tattoo it is wise to let it air dry an hour or two between wraps, but not to leave it uncovered for too long. When left exposed to air for too long the tattoo will begin to dry out and wrapping it is no longer appropriate. If that does happen just return to washing and applying ointment.

 If your tattoo becomes red around the edges, remains sore and is leaking fluid it may have become infected. Usually there is no need for any treatment and your body will heal the infection on its own. However, if you do feel you may have an infection, we ask that you contact your artist for further instructions or stop in to the shop. In the meantime, wash your tattoo and stop applying any lotion or ointment, as excess moisture will make an infected tattoo worse.