CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS 

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A fresh tattoo is considered an open wound vulnerable to bacteria and infection.  Leave the bandage on until you get home. This ensures that your tattoo is protected until you get to a safe environment. It is highly recommended to avoid exposing a fresh tattoo in public places.  

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When the bandage is removed, lightly wash your tattoo with warm water using only your hand and a non-scented hypoallergenic soap such as Cetaphil, Spectro-gel or Dove.  Let your tattoo air dry or pat with a clean towel.   

 

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For the first two days, only wash your tattoo, do NOT use a moisturizer. You want your tattoo to have time to breathe and start healing before applying moisturizer.

 

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You can shower with a fresh tattoo and its ok to get it wet, however you should not fully submerge your tattoo under water for the first 2 weeks. Make sure showers are quick and not too hot or steamy to avoid exposure to too much moisture.

 

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It is recommended that you wash your tattoo twice per day. If there is any weeping or wetness on your tattoo after washing, blot it with a clean paper towel. It is not uncommon for your tattoo to weep up to 20 minutes after washing. In some instances, the weeping can be clear or the colour of the tattoo pigment.

 

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We recommend that you only use moisturizing products when the tattoo becomes very dry, tight or itchy.  Do NOT use an excessive amount of moisturizer and massage it in.  You do NOT want a layer of moisturizer sitting on your healing tattoo.  Only use a non-scented hypoallergenic lotion on a healing tattoo. 

 

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After a few days you will notice the skin starting to peel or flake, this is normal.  Do NOT scratch, pick or peel at your new tattoo.  Allow it to flake off on it’s own. Picking can cause scarring and loss of ink.

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Your tattoo will appear healed around the two weeks however, the complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks.

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WHAT TO EXPECT 

 

• Immediately after the procedure, your tattoo will appear dark, bold in colour and sharply defined. 

• Some experience minor discomfort, redness and swelling.  These symptoms usually subside within 48 hours.   

• Minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin may occur after a few days. If there is scabbing, DO NOT pick! Allow it to flake off on it’s own. Picking can cause scarring and loss of ink.

• Your tattoo will soften and lighten as your skin naturally exfoliates. 

• Once the skin sheds, a shiny layer of skin will appear.

• The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks however, the visible layer of skin appears healed after two weeks.

• Healed results vary depending on the clients skin type and AFTERCARE.

 

 

THINGS TO AVOID DURING THE HEALING PROCESS

 

• Steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, or large bodies of water for 2 weeks. 

• Avoid submerging your tattoo in water for two weeks.

• Avoid soaps, cleansers, shampoo and conditioner from getting on your tattoo in the shower while healing.

• Sun exposure or tanning beds while healing.   

• Vaseline, Neosporin or any other petroleum based products while healing.

• Exercising and/or sweating 

 

 

LONG TERM CARE

• Exposure to the sun and tanning beds can cause fading and discolouration of the ink.  Once your tattoo is completely healed, use SPF 50 to protect it while in the sun for long periods of time.

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