Tattoo Aftercare
Leave the bandage on a at least 5 hours, up to 24 hours. Longer is better after big sessions, and often it is ideal to leave the bandage overnight.
After removing the bandage it’s important that to wash the tattoo immediately. Use a mild soap that is fragrance and dye free. Soap and rinse several times to ensure that you have gotten all the blood, plasma, lymph, ointment, ink, etc off.
Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel, no bath towels for at least one week.
Wash the tattoo 2-3 times the first day or two to make sure any weeping lymph and plasma is washed away
What to Do:
Apply a small amount of ointment 2-3 times per day, rubbing it in thoroughly. After 10 minutes, pat dry any excess ointment with a clean paper towel. Coconut oil works great and can be used indefinitely, or you may switch to an unscented lotion after 3-5 days. Petroleum products such as aquafor/bacitracin/a&d ointments are also ok, but petroleum based products are non-absorbent to the skin so be extra diligent not to smother your tattoo. Switch to an unscented lotion after 3 days.
Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks, use sunscreen after healing.
In 5-7 days the tattoo will begin to peel similar to a sunburn. Sometimes scabbing is heavier, avoid picking and scratching at scabs and let them come off in their own time. Do not shave the tattoo until all scabs and bumps are gone.
Keep the tattoo out of standing water until the scabbing is gone; usually 2-3 weeks