CONGRATULATIONS! You are the proud owner of a new tattoo. We have done our job the best we can, and now it's your turn.

The proper care and healing of your tattoo is crucial, it is also YOUR responsibility.

Some people heal faster than others. Some people are more sensitive and prone to irritation or infection. Some people may have reactions to different lotions or inks even though they are hypoallergenic.

• Leave bandage on for 4-5 hrs. longer if necessary.
• Remove bandage and wash thoroughly with hot water and CLEAN facecloth, try to remove all lotion and dried blood, without tearing up the tattoo.
• Gently pat dry and leave alone. If tattoo is still weeping you may apply Vaseline petroleum jelly and re-bandage till morning. Never apply Vaseline petroleum jelly after the second day. Only use NON alpha-hydroxy moisturizer.
• The next morning give another thorough wash, pat dry and leave alone.
• In the next few days the tattoo will begin to peel like a sunburn, some scabbing may occur and colors may look different. The true colors lie underneath the dead skin and will re-appear when healed.
• DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH TATTOO.
• DO NOT SOAK TATTOO. i.e. hot tubs, pools, bath, lakes, ocean. A quick wash in the shower is o.k.
• A small amount of NON alpha-hydroxy moisturizer may be applied 1-2 times a day max. (Vaseline Intensive Care, Dermassage, Jergens, etc.) Too much lotion or soaking will result in a moist thick scab that will take longer to heal. Too much lotion can smother the tattoo, its important to let your tattoo breathe.
• KEEP TATTOO CLEAN. Make sure your hands are always washed before touching your tattoo. Do not let anyone touch your tattoo. If you are to be in a dirty or dusty environment, keep covered with loose cotton clothing. Any open wound is susceptible to foreign matter and infection.
• KEEP OUT OF THE SUN. The sun and tanning beds will damage your tattoo. After the tattoo is healed sunblock should be applied to keep colors from fading.
• Do not apply strange oils or cosmetics to tattoo. Cosmetics, soaps, laundry detergents etc. can cause reactions.
• Clothing rubbing on tattoo (waistbands, socks, anything restrictive) or work activities involving stretching can tear tattoo causing damage or infection.
• Sweating may cause irritation or infection.
• Large areas of solid color, heavy black work and areas of the skin that stretch around joints (hip, armpit, elbow, etc.) may scab more and take more time to heal.
• Any areas of thick scab or irritation after 5-7 days may be helped by applying a HOT COMPRESS. Soak a clean washcloth in water as hot as you can stand. Wring out excess water and hold on the tattoo for 30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times. Do this once or twice a day until the area feels better.
• Feel free to contact us with any further questions or concerns