Tattoo Aftercare

Your tattoo has been done under clean, professional conditions using the utmost modern sterilization techniques and the finest tattooing pigment available. Now it is up to you to take proper care of it. The chance of infection or damage to your new tattoo will be minimal if aftercare instructions are followed correctly.

    Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

    Leave the tattoo covered for ONLY 1 hour. You do not want any blood to dry onto the bandage.

    Carefully remove the bandage. If any blood is dried, remove by wetting the paper towel in warm water, then slowly remove. Wash the tattoo gently and thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap, warm water and your fingertips. Work up a good lather several times to be sure to remove all ointment and body fluids.

    ******DO NOT use hot water or a washcloth******

    Lightly pat or air dry. With clean hands, apply Redemption Afterlife. Redemption is an organic lubricant that helps reduce swelling, redness and helps you heal quicker. This is the ointment we use while tattooing. We stand behind it 100%. If you choose not to use Redemption, you may use Aquaphor or A&D ointment. DO NOT use Vaseline, petroleum jelly, alcohol, peroxide or aloevera.

    Continue to apply ointment 2-4 times per day. DO NOT let the tattoo dry out. Healing time is generally 10 days to 2 weeks.

    If your tattoo is on your foot, ankle or any other sensitive spot, it may become swollen and take longer to heal. Keep your feet elevated as much as possible. Ibuprofen may help with swelling.

    The first night or two you may wrap your tattoo with Saran wrap to avoid anything coming in direct contact with your tattoo while you sleep. Apply ointment to the tattoo, and then wrap it. When you take the wrap off, make sure to wash it completely before reapplying ointment. If you have a job that may contaminate your tattoo, you may also wrap it. The goal is to let it breathe as much as possible without wrapping it, but also to avoid any contaminates you may come into contact with.

    After about 2-7 days, the tattoo will shed a layer of skin. THIS IS NORMAL! Do not pick or scratch this, let it fall off naturally. (Be extra careful not to FORCE skin off when it becomes soft in the shower.) Forcing it off can ruin your tattoo!

    DO NOT pick, rub or scratch the tattoo.

    DO NOT expose to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. Use SPF sunscreen on your tattoo after it is healed to avoid fading.

    DO NOT soak in water (i.e., swimming, hot tubs, bath or sauna) for two weeks or until healed. This includes chlorine and salt water.

Just use common sense or contact your tattoo artist with any concerns or questions.