Your new tattoo is your responsibility once you leave the shop. The better you take care of it, the better your tattoo will heal. Proper tattoo aftercare is just as important as choosing the perfect artist. Follow these steps to ensure that your tattoo will maintain the brilliance and heal correctly.

Blackwork and Tribal tattoos require a slightly different aftercare regimen than color or shading, the below steps are for healing a Blackwork and Tribal tattoo

 

After leaving the tattoo shop:

 

• The bandage we put on should be removed an hour after leaving the shop. The tattoo should be washed with warm water and antibacterial/antimicrobial unscented liquid soap (we recommend Dial Gold). This is to wash away any ointment or blood/plasma and keep the area clean.

• Pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towels until it is completely dry.

• We recommend re-wrapping the tattoo with Aquaphor and plastic wrap for the first 3 nights to avoid sticking to clothing or bed sheets and to keep the new tattoo hydrated through the night. This is especially recommended if you have animals that sleep in the same bed. (Though we really suggest not letting your pets in the bed while your tattoo is healing due to dander that can irritate the tattoo or cause infection)

• For the first 3 days, wash your tattoo 3-5 times daily. After drying, apply a thin coat of Aquaphor or an acceptable healing ointment for tattoos.

• For the remaining healing time (7-10 days), wash 2-3 times a day and switch to a thin layer of unscented lotion.

 

While healing:

 

• Always wash your hands before caring for your tattoo.

• Do not use bar soap, as they hold bacteria. Liquid antibacterial soap is preferred.

• Do not pick or scratch your tattoo as this can cause permanent damage to your tattoo. Let skin flake naturally. Loss of color and/or infection can occur if scratched.

• NO SWIMMING, SOAKS, SAUNA, JACUZZI, OR BATHS. Showering is okay.

• Limit physical activities such as gym, contact sports, recreational water activities, gardening, or contact with animals as they can cause infection.

• Avoid tanning or long exposure to direct sunlight (if you MUST be in the sun use a high-quality sunblock with a high SPF). After healing, continue using a high-quality sunscreen when tanning outdoors to help preserve the color and form of the tattoo

• Seek medical care if you develop any signs or symptoms of infection. This includes but is not limited to fever, prolonged pain & redness, swelling & tenderness at the tattoo site, sores that contain or release thick, white or yellow fluid, muscle aches and pain affecting the whole body, extreme thirst, hard & red, raised bumps or wounds, nausea and vomiting.

 

If you still have questions and/or concerns during the healing process,

call us at (714) 236-0583 or email us at sjtat2@hotmail.com