After-care Guide

Best Practices

Please email the shop for any questions and concerns.

How Do I clean the tattoo site?

Remove bandage after one or two hours. Do not re-bandage. Clean with warm soapy water and pat dry. With clean hands apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor or A&D ointment three times a day for the first three days. After, replace ointment with unscented lotion such as Lubriderm or Eucerin brand lotion. Continue to moisturize your tattoo two to three times a day for the following 10-15 days or when skin feels too dry.

Can I take a shower?

You may shower, but avoid all other water sources, this includes: avoiding pools, bathtubs, spas, oceans, lakes and rivers.

Avoid the following actions:

  • Do not use Neosporin on your tattoo.
  • Do not put rubbing alcohol on your tattoo.
  • Do not expose your tattoo to sunlight for the first two weeks.
  • Do not pick or scratch your tattoo.
  • Do not let your tattoo dry out especially after showers.
  • Avoid gardening activities.
  • Avoid contact with animals.

Signs of infection:

Please contact your pysician if you exhibit any of the following signs:

  • Extreme redness or irritation.
    Of course there is going to be some redness and irritation from getting your tattoo done, but it should decrease within hours or days. If the redness or irritation starts to increase suddenly, you may have an infection.
  • Pain
    The same thing holds true for pain. Your pain should decrease in increments after having your tattoo and if it starts to get worse instead, you should check with your doctor.
  • Fever
    This is one of the surest signs of infection, even if your temperature is slightly elevated you should check with your doctor.
  • Swelling
    It is normal to have a little swelling immediately after you tattoo, but again, if it gets worse over time you should seek medical attention.
  • Odor or Smell
    An unusual odor can also be sign of infection.
  • Discharge
    Any type of puss or discharge coming from your tattoo is also a bad sign.
  • Red streaks
    Red streaks going from the tattoo site to the heart may indicate something serious like blood poisoning or staph infection and you should proceed to the emergency room ASAP.