The Care and Feeding of your New Tattoo

1. Leave the bandage on for at least two hours, and not more than eight.

2. After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo with a mild soap such as Dial, Ivory, Dove or Pure and Natural. Do not use deodorant soaps like Irish Spring or Lever 2000. Use your hand, not a washcloth, to wash your tattoo - washcloths can harbor bacteria.

3. When you have gently cleaned your new tattoo, pat it dry and apply a thin layer of ointment or lotion to it - make sure to use only a lotion or ointment that is on this list: A & D ointment, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion, Keri, Curel, or Lubriderm lotion. Using any products other than what is listed here could cause infection, loss of color, or allergic reactions in your tattoo.

4. Apply ointment or lotion in a thin layer 2x to 3x daily for 2 entire weeks to keep your skin hydrated. When your new tattoo heals, it will peel and/or scab - do not pick at the peeling/scabbing skin! Your tattoo will also itch as the new skin grows in - do not scratch! To pick or scratch at your healing tattoo will cause infection, and loss of color.

5. Do not expose your new tattoo to sun, or dirty environments for the 2 week healing period. Do not submerge your tattoo in water for the 2 week healing period. To soak your tattoo (other than in the shower), expose it to sun, or expose it to dirt will cause infection and loss of color. Also, while your tattoo heals avoid skin-on-skin contact with another person - i.e.: don't rub your fresh tattoo on another person's skin, as this has been shown to promote MRSA bacterial infections.

6. When your tatto has healed completely (2-3 weeks), use a high SPF sunblock on it when you expose it to the sun. Nothing will stop your tattoo from aging from sun exposure, but sunblock will help a little. Feel free to call if you have questions regarding healing procedures!