Well, now that you have your tattoo, it’s up to you to make sure it heals the best it possibly can. So here’s how to do that:
1. 4 hours after your tattoo is completed, wash with warm soapy water. Be sure to get all of the slimy texture off. DO NOT use a washcloth. Use only your hand.
2. Pat tattoo dry with a clean towel. DO NOT rub. Allow to air dry for a few minutes.
3. Dab a very small amount of Aquaphor all over the tattoo and rub in completely (the same manner as applying lotion). You only want to apply enough to make your tattoo moist. Applying too much Aquaphor will suffocate your tattoo and prolong healing. It is just as bad to over apply ointment as it is to let it dry out. The idea is to keep your tattoo lightly moist.
4. Repeat 4-5 times a day for the first 2-3 days. Then apply it 2-3 times a day until your tattoo is healed.
5. After your tattoo completely peels (like a sunburn), you have the option to switch to a non-perfume lotion. Your tattoo will have a dry flaky texture for several weeks. You can speed up getting rid of that wrinkly texture by using Vitamin E or a lotion that contains Vitamin E.
NO Swimming, Bathing, Soaking or Direct Sunlight for 2 Weeks (showering is fine)
DO NOT Pick or Scratch at your tattoo
DO NOT Shave the area that has been tattooed until it is completely healed
DO NOT use any fragranced lotions or skin care products until after tattoo is healed
DO NOT cover your tattoo with ANYTHING. That means no plastic wrap, gauze, band-aids or anything else. So again, do not cover your tattoo. At all. Ever.
