Good aftercare is critical to the life and look of your new tattoo. Improper care can result in an infection, ink fallout, loss of color, and a shorter life for your tattoo. Your artist is not responsible for your tattoo once you leave the studio, and we are notresponsible for any complications resulting from poor aftercare. There are two main methods for healing that I use with my clients that I will explain below. Please read and follow the aftercare instructions for the best results with your new tattoo.

• Most of my clients prefer to use second skin during their healing process. The brand I typically use is Derm Shield which is latex-free. Second skin is a clear adhesive bandage that you can leave on for up to 3 days. I recommend second skin especially if you have pets since it will keep your tattoo clean from bacteria and dirt. It is water resistant but not water proof, so you can shower with it on but keep showers short and do not submerge in water. You can leave second-skin on for 3 days following the tattoo but no baths and try not to sweat excessively during these 3 days. After 3 days under warm water, peel second skin down under the running water. Gently wash off your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap. Pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. Continue to clean and apply lotion 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks during your healing process. During those 2-3 weeks please do not go swimming or put your tattoo in any still standing water. After those 2 to 3 weeks you'll be able to tell your tattoo is settling if there is no shine to it. 

• How to clean my new tattoo: Using warm water, cleanse the tattoo area with a foaming antibacterial hand soap (Dial gold is my preferred soap). Rinse, but do not soak or submerge your tattoo in water. DO NOT go swimming in a pool, the ocean, a river, or a lake until your tattoo is fully healed (at least 2 weeks)! DO NOT take a bath, long exposure to water/steam can result in poor healing.

• Dry: Completely dry your tattoo using clean, single use paper towels. You may blot or pat dry. Some blood spotting or ink color may appear on your towel, but this is normal initially. DO NOT rub or wipe your towel over the tattoo as this may result in dislodging fresh ink, as well as causing discomfort.

• If you decide to heal your tattoo without second skin, I recommend using Aquaphor or A&D Ointment for the first 2-3 days of healing, 2-3 times per day. Once your tattoo is clean and dry, apply a VERY thin layer of ointment to the tattoo. Please make sure your hands are clean! You can use a hand sanitizer before applying ointment. After using ointment for 2-3 days then switch to a skin moisturizer such as Aveeno, Lubriderm, etc. Make sure that the lotion is fragrance and dye free as well as hypoallergenic. Apply a thin layer 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.

• Avoid: The sun, pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, strenuous exercise, dirt, etc. DO NOT scratch your new tattoo. It will get itchy, which is normal. Pat your tattoo if it gets itchy. DO NOT peel away any skin that starts to flake off during the healing process. You will notice that the skin that was tattooed will start to dry up and peel. Let this happen naturally. DO NOT try and wash it off in the shower. It will eventually fall off and reveal your healed tattoo.
  It is normal for peeling, flaking, and some scabbing to occur during the healing process. The newly tattooed area may be sensitive and sore for several days. Itching is normal.

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*Please contact your physician immediately if signs of infection occur.