You must take proper care of your new tattoo. Your tattoo will not heal well if you do not follow these guidelines. Your artist is NOT responsible for any issues resulting from poor aftercare.
Bandaging
Do not let anyone touch your new tattoo. If SecondSkin is used, keep it on for three to five days. However, if plasma builds up under the SecondSkin, remove it within 12 hours or immediately. After removal, begin the process of washing your new tattoo.
(Plasma build-up under SecondSkin will happen with large areas of ink, shading areas, or bold black, and is to be expected.)
Washing Your Tattoo
Use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Gently wash your tattoo with a clean washcloth; avoid rubbing. Gently pat (do not rub) the area with a clean paper towel. Follow with a light application of ointment, and use these products for a minimum of two weeks, washing the area three times daily.
DO NOT use Neosporin or alcohol!
(Ask your artist for recommendations on products)
Bathing and Swimming
You can shower with a new tattoo. It is okay to get some water on your tattoo. But DO NOT soak your new tattoo. Submerging your tattoo can cause damage or infection. Swimming, hot tubs, and baths should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.
Scabbing and Peeling
After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possibly scabbing—this is a normal part of the healing process. The tattoo will also start to itch as it heals.
DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO! This is the body’s natural way of healing an open wound.
Sun Protection
DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. After your tattoo is healed, always protect it from the sun. Use a minimum of 30-SPF sunblock.
TLDR:
What NOT to do:
DO NOT let anyone touch your new tattoo.
DO NOT use Neosporin or ointments other than those recommended by your tattoo artist.
DO NOT apply lotion to scabs.
DO NOT use Rubbing Alcohol, Peroxide, or Cortisone.
DO NOT pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo.
DO NOT soak your new tattoo.
DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight.
If abnormal irritation, redness, swelling, or fever should appear, please contact your physician.