Tattoo Aftercare Recommendations
Leave sterile bandage on for three hours, or until you can shower.
Wash tattoo immediately after removing bandage using very warm water, mild soap, and your fingertips (no cloth).
Thoroughly clean tattoo using gentle pressure; rinse with warm water.
Carefully check entire surface of tattoo for areas that feel slick. Rinse tattoo with cool/cold water until no slick areas can be found.
Allow tattoo to air dry or gently pat dry with a paper towel or a clean towel. Do not wipe dry!
Moisturize tattoo after it is dry with antibiotic ointment or the product your tattoo artist recommends.
Do not over-moisturize! Tattoo should never look greasy or shiny.
Wash and moisturize tattoo once or twice daily until healed.
After several days, tattoo will develop a sandpaper-like texture—this is the scab layer forming.
Do not pick at or scratch tattoo! Slapping tattoo can relieve itching. Do not scratch!
After a week or so, the scab layer will flake off. The flakes will have the same colors as the tattoo—this is normal.
Continue to gently wash and moisturize tattoo daily, being careful not to remove scabs prematurely.
Use a sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary.
Avoid tubs, swimming and sun exposure for at least two weeks.
In the unlikely event that you develop an infection or an allergic or adverse reaction resulting from the application of the tattoo, consult a health care practitioner. Report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the application of the tattoo to your artist and to the Texas Department of Health, Drugs and Medical Devices Division at (888) 839-6676.