Tattoo After Care

You must always wash your hands for at least 60 seconds with ANTIBACTERIAL soap before cleaning or touching your tattoo.

Swelling is a common side effect during the first 24 hours. Mild itching is common throughout the entire healing process.

• Keep bandages on for 2-3 hours after the tattoo is complete. After 2-3 hours, remove the bandage carefully (if it sticks, wet the bandage with warm water and remove slowly.)

• Once uncovered, wash with ANTIBACTERIAL soap and warm water (using fingertips), then wash at least three (3) times per day for the next 7-14 days.

• Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. NEVER USE CLOTH TOWELS, THEY MAY HARBOR GERMS! NEVER RUB DRY!

• Using Aquaphor or A&D, apply a VERY thin layer and rub it in well 3-4 times a day to prevent your tattoo from drying out.

If it feels dry and tight, wash with soap and reapply the ointment. (There should be no ointment sitting on top of the skin).

• Always use clean bedding and towels throughout the healing process.

• Discontinue use of ointment after 3-4 days.

• On the third or fourth day, begin to gently apply non-scented, alcohol-free lotion to the tattoo instead of ointment, 3-4 times a day after washing with antibacterial soap.

• After a few days, it is perfectly normal for the skin on the tattoo to take on a cloudy appearance, followed by peeling for a short while (similar to a sunburn peel).

• No swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans for at least two weeks.

The total healing process should take no longer than 2 weeks

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DO NOT EVER peel or pick any part of your tattoo. If you do, you will lose color and it could result in additional expense in re-coloring. 

(Any loose skin will work itself off without any help from you.)

• DO NOT use alcohol to clean your tattoo.

• DO NOT rub or scratch.

• DO NOT let the tattoo dry out.

• DO NOT expose yourself to direct sunlight or tanning beds for two weeks. (After two weeks, you should use a sun block of a minimum of SPF 30 to prevent burning or fading of your tattoo.)

• DO NOT swim in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans; or soak the tattoo in a sauna, steam bath, or bathtub for two weeks.

• DO NOT allow water to beat directly onto the tattoo while showering for at least one week.

• DO NOT use triple antibiotic ointment, Neosporin, or Vaseline at any point.

Signs/Symptoms of Infection or allergic reaction include excessive redness, swelling, severe itching, or puss at the tattoo site. Fever is also a sign of infection.

A client experiencing any of these symptoms should contact Lifeblood Studio and his/her/their healthcare provider immediately.

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