Your new tattoo will be bandaged when you leave the tattoo parlor. It is recommended you leave this bandage on your new tattoo for ONE hour, to protect it from any outside contact. A new tattoo is similar to a wound so don't be surprised if your tattoo bleeds a little for the first few hours. This is normal and your bandage will help absorb any blood from your tattoo initially following your sitting.

When it is time to remove your bandage, do so carefully. It is possible that blood has dried to the bandage and if you rip it off, you could possibly damage the appearance of your new tattoo. If it is stuck to the tattoo run it under cool water the remove the bandage.

Your tattoo is going to be sore, red, and possibly a bit swollen. This is normal; it will take a few days for this to subside.

Your primary focus when taking care of a new tattoo is to keep the tattoo clean. After the initial bandage is removed, gently wash your tattoo with soap and cool water. Do not use a washcloth or anything other than your hand. Wash gently; do not scrub but pat the tattoo. Rinse your new tattoo completely with water then pat it dry with a clean paper towel (do not rub). Allow your tattoo to air dry for 15 minutes or so.

After your tattoo has dried, gently apply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare such as Aquaphor or A & D Ointment. Do this 3 – 4 times daily. If using Aquaphor, continue to use it for the entire 2 weeks, until your tattoo is completely healed. If using A & D, switch to an unscented moisturizing lotion after 3 days.

Allow the tattoo to peel away naturally – (scabbing will start to accrue in a few days) DO NOT PICK the scabs or dry skin. This can pull the ink out of your tattoo leaving it discolored or uneven in appearance (and may cause scarring). You will also notice that your new tattoo feels tight, dry, and itchy. Keep applying your tattoo aftercare lotion to hydrate the tattoo and to alleviate these symptoms. It is normal to see small flakes of colored skin peel away from your tattoo as your tattoo is healing.

New tattoos may appear red and swollen immediately following your tattoo sitting. Areas of it may have a bluish tint as well. This appearance may continue for a few days during the tattoo healing process. Within a week to ten days, the skin surrounding the tattoo area should be free of heavy scabs. Most tattoos are completely healed in three weeks time.

These tattoos require specific instruction and you should consult with your artist on the important tips you should follow to care for these.

Recommended cleaning solutions: Liquid Dial Anti-Bacterial Soap(without perfumes or dyes), Bactine, Non-Iodized Sea Salt or Saline Solution.

Piercings should be washed twice daily, everyday, for the entire initial healing time.

1. Before cleaning, wash hands thoroughly with liquid Dial and hot water.
2. Re-lather and apply soap to the entire area. Cleanse the area and the jewelry.
3. Rinse the area thoroughly under running water while rotating the jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleanser from the inside and outside of the piercing.
4. Gently pat dry with disposable paper towel.
5. Apply Bactine all around piercing.

Do Not Touch, Play With, or Pick at Your Piercing!! Ever!!

• Repeat same external care. For the internal portion, including tongue piercings, rinse with a mixture of half Listerine and half water.
• Rinse every time you eat, drink, smoke, or if anything comes in contact with your mouth.
• For swelling use ice water and ibuprofen.