Shopping list:

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Fragrance free liquid soap, such as Dial Gold or Dr. Bronner's baby soap

Aquaphor ointment

Unscented water based lotion, such as Lubriderm or Curel

Paper Towels

Additional Tegaderm, Second Skin, Saniderm or Recovery Derm (clear, tattoo-specific bandages) if your tattoo is to be heavily shaded

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Process:

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1.  Leave bandage on for 3 days if possible.  It is OK to shower with as long as you don't scrub or direct hot water right over it.  It is normal for some ink and blood to build up under the bandage during that time.

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HOWEVER

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If the bandage leaks, starts to come off by itself, or causes your skin to break out in a rash in the shape of the bandage, take it off sooner.  Except in the case of an allergic reaction, you can clean the tattoo as instructed below (do not moisturize) and apply a second bandage and wait till the 3 days are up, or just start aftercare immediately.

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2.  Remove bandage in the shower.  Do your showering routine first so it has a chance to soak off, then wash your hands with the fragrance free liquid soap, peel the bandage off, and wash your tattoo with your clean fingertips, fragrance free soap, and lukewarm water.  Rinse well and dry with a paper towel.  Let the tattoo dry completely before proceeding to the next step.  

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3.  If less than three days have passed since you got your tattoo and you are not applying another bandage, gently moisturize your new tattoo with a very small amount of Aquaphor (if it's shiny, it's too much).  If it has been 3 or more days, use the unscented water based lotion very sparingly.  Be sure that the tattoo is completely dry before applying any moisturizer.

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4.  During the healing process, your tattoo will be:

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-Raised

-Peeling

-Itchy

-Shiny

-Possibly scabby

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It is healed when it's not like that anymore and looks like a normal part of your skin.

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5.  Until your tattoo is fully healed,

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-Wash it twice daily, morning and evening.

-If washing in the shower, wash it last.

-Dry with paper towels for the first week.

-Moisturize very sparingly only when the tattoo is completely dry.

-Do not soak, swim, or submerge your tattoo.  Normal showering is fine.

-Do not touch, scratch, pick, or let others touch your tattoo.  If you can't stand the itchiness, slap it with your clean hand.

-Keep your tattoo out of the sun.

-Do not apply anything other than Aquaphor or unscented lotion to your healing tattoo.

-If your tattoo scabs, wash it very gently and do not pick the scabs.

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Reach out to your tattooer with any questions or concerns!

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