After your tattoo is finished, your artist will apply ointment then wrap your tattoo. This covering protects the open skin from bacteria, sunlight, and from rubbing against clothing. Remove the bandage after 3 hours and perform the following wash procedure:
- Run your tattoo under warm water in shower or under tap. Slowly turn the water to as hot as you can stand and keep it there for 15-20 seconds.
- Quickly turn the temperature to cold and allow water run over your tattoo for 15-30 seconds. This process helps flush out pores from dried blood and pigment that is hard to see. It then tightens pores to promote less peeling and a shorter healing period.
- Run the warm water again and wash the area with antibacterial soap. Never use any scented soaps on your tattoo.
- Blot dry with a clean paper towel and let air dry for 5-10 minutes.
Next, apply a very thin layer of ointment. We recommend using petroleum-free skin care products to heal your tattoo. Ask us for suggestions. Massage gently into the tattoo so that it looks shiny, not goopy. Blot off any excess ointment from the skin with a clean paper towel. Don’t bandage it again. Leave it uncovered so that your skin can breathe.
Wear clean loose fitting, clothing. Sleep only on freshly washed and dried sheets. Keep all pets from sleeping on the bed for at least the first week of healing. If your tattoo sticks to your clothing or sheets, get the fabric wet before pulling it off otherwise you could damage your tattoo.
We recommend taking 500-1,000 mg Vitamin C to help your skin’s healing process. Other good supplements to take are: Vitamin A (10,000-25,000 IU), Zinc (15-30 mg), and Bromelain (500-1,000 mg).