Congratulations on your new tattoo!  It is important to remember that even though your session is over, your healing process has just begun.  You must adhere to proper tattoo aftercare in order to encourage appropriate healing, to preserve your tattoo, and avoid any negative reactions including infection.  While proper aftercare can significantly reduce the chance of infection or improper healing, getting a tattoo is never entirely free of risk.  Please note that all tattoo artists have their own aftercare processes and products that they recommend. Our care instructions may be different from what you’ve been told by other artists.  What we all agree on is that your tattoo is an open wound and should be treated as such: the most important thing is to keep it clean while it is healing.

Your fresh tattoo will be covered upon leaving the shop. You may notice your tattoo leaking a small amount of plasma and/or excess ink over the first couple of days; this is normal. Make sure to sleep on clean sheets, wear clean and loose fitting clothing over the tattooed area, and do not touch the tattoo while it is healing unless you are washing it or applying a thin layer of unscented moisturizer with clean hands.

We recommend using a liquid antibacterial soap to wash your tattoo. Standard industry recommendations suggest washing your tattoo twice per day or as needed depending on your daily activities. After washing, pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel (do not use a bath towel or washcloth) and follow up with a thin layer of tattoo ointment or unscented moisturizer that you know works well with your skin.

**Do not submerge your tattoo in water for at least two weeks - no baths, swimming pools, jacuzzis or swimming in the ocean. We recommend avoiding natural bodies of water for up to one month depending on healing, as oceans, streams, lakes, etc. are rife with bacteria that can negatively affect your healing process.

**Keep your new tattoo out of the sun while it is healing. Wear loose fitting clothing to cover it while outdoors.  Once the tattoo is fully healed, use sunscreen on your tattoo to extend its color and vibrancy for as long as possible. Do not put sunscreen on a tattoo that is still healing.

**It is normal for your tattoo to feel itchy while it is healing. You may also notice the tattoo forming dry, flaky skin while healing.  This is normal. Do NOT scratch your tattoo or pick at any dry skin, as this can ruin your tattoo and increase your risk of infection. 

**If your new tattoo is on an area of the body where you engage in a lot of movement or bending, for instance the hands, fingers, an elbow or knee ditch, etc. try to avoid strenuous activities and minimize movement in that area of the body for the first few days of healing.

Do not hesitate to contact the shop if you have any questions about your tattoo aftercare. Please note that nothing is a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns regarding your tattoo.