Tattoo Aftercare
Your Complete Healing Guide
Proper aftercare is crucial for the best healing and vibrant results. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your new tattoo heals beautifully.
First Day Care
Leave bandage on for at least 1-4 hours. After removing bandage, wash with lukewarm water and a small amount of unscented soap. Make sure to rub gently with clean hands.
- Your first day is BANDAGE FREE - Just leave it open to air!
- NO Ointment! DO NOT RE-BANDAGE!!
- Your tattoo needs to breathe
- Pat dry with clean paper towel
Early Healing
Always allow to dry 1 hour after washing, then apply a very small amount of A&D ointment over your tattoo.
- DO NOT USE NEOSPORIN
- Apply A&D ointment 3 times a day as needed
- Keep it shiny, but don't over do it
- Stop using A&D after the 4th day
- Too much ointment will draw the ink out
Continued Care
You can now start applying Lubriderm lotion (in small amounts) over your tattoo.
- Switch from A&D to unscented lotion
- Use small amounts of Lubriderm
- If tattoo is frequently touched/rubbed, keep covered with non-stick bandage for only 10 hours max
- Only for the first initial 3 days
- Try not to cover if you don't have to
Critical - Do NOT Do These Things!
For the first 30 days, avoid these activities to prevent infection and ensure proper healing:
- NO SUN FOR 30 DAYS
- NO SWIMMING FOR 30 DAYS
- NO BATHS FOR 30 DAYS
- NO SUN TANNING OR DIRECT SUN LIGHT
- NO SHAVING ON THE TATTOO
- DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH IT!
Normal Healing Process
Itching is normal! If your tattoo itches (which it will), that's good! It's healing... just slap the area around it to relieve some of the itching.
Light oozing is normal in the beginning stages, but if it's oozing a lot, you're probably putting too much ointment on it. Only use A&D in thin amounts and make sure to let your tattoo air dry for at least an hour before applying A&D. Failure to do so will waterlog your tattoo and ruin it!
Allergic reactions to ink can happen sometimes, especially red and yellow, or colors that contain red and yellow. An allergic reaction does not happen immediately, it can happen a few days, a week, or even years down the road. If you experience an allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately.
Recommended Products
Use only these approved products for best results:
Questions about your tattoo healing? Notice any unusual symptoms?
If a person does not care for it properly, a tattoo can become infected with bacteria. An infected tattoo will be warm, inflamed, and painful to the touch. The skin may also ooze pus or have a rash.
Contact Uncle Andy