Congratulations on your new tattoo!

The Basics

  

Your goals:   Keep it clean and moisturized.  Follow these steps and ensure you have the following supplies before removing the protective plastic.

 

What You’ll Need:

 

1. Paper towels  

2. Antibacterial pump hand soap (e.g., Dial Gold or equivalent)  

3. Ointment (Hustle Butter recommended; Aquaphor or A&D are good alternatives)  

4. Plain, unscented lotion (e.g., Lubriderm with a red or blue lid)

 

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Initial Care (First 48 Hours)

 

- Leave the second skin/Derm Shield on for 48 hours.It’s normal for the plastic to fill with ink and body fluids.  

- Showering is fine,but avoid letting water fill up under the plastic. If the edges roll up, trim them with scissors.  

- If the plastic comes off early or fills with water, remove it immediately. 

 

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Removing the Plastic:

 

1. Remove the plastic carefully (preferably in the shower).  

2. Wash the tattoo and surrounding skin thoroughly with **warm soapy water** and a paper towel.  

   - Use Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap (or equivalent), lathered in your hands before applying.  

3. gently but thoroughly wipe away the slimy residue and ink.  

4. Pat dry with paper towels only. 

 

5.   let the tattoo breathe for about 5 minutes, then moisturize:  

   - Apply a small amount of ointment, rubbing it in thoroughly on every spot using a small circular motion.

   - WIPE AWAY ANY EXCESS. this is the very important. The easiest way to cause a bad heal is to over moisturize your tattoo or leave it coated with ointment—let your tattoo breathe.  more ointment does not heal the tattoo faster.  

 

Do NOT re-wrap the tattoo with plastic after this step.  

 

 

 

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Ongoing Care (Days 3–14)

 

1. Wash the tattoo twice a day (morning and night). If it gets dirty, wash it again.  

2.  Moisturize every 3 Horus.

3.  After 3-4 days of ointment, switch to lotion. (Ointments can cause pimples if overused.)  

 

Showering Tips:  

- don't let the tattoo get wet for longer than 5 minutes.   

-try keeping the tattoo dry for the first part of your shower.  dab with paper towel as it gets splashed to not rush your shower.

- Wash with anti bacterial at the end of the shower.  Avoid scrubbing the tattoo. Gently dab it dry with a paper towel.  

 

What to Expect: 

 

- Scabbing and peeling are normal. Allow scabs to fall off naturally—never pick at them. 

- Itchiness is common. If needed, gently slap the area, but do not scratch.  

 

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Healing Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

- Keep it clean

-Wear loose, clean clothing to prevent rubbing.  

- For foot tattoos: wear socks (turned inside out) and shoes.  

-only moisturize with freshly washed hand.

 

DON’T:  

- Touch your tattoo with dirty hands.  

- Soak your tattoo in pools, hot tubs, rivers, or baths until it’s fully healed.  

- Use bar soap, Neosporin, or scented products.  

- Expose the tattoo to direct sunlight.  

-dry with bath towel

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Long-Term Care 

 

1. Once healed, always apply sunscreen when your tattoo will be exposed to the sun. Cover it with clothing for extended sun exposure.  

2. Moisturize regularly to keep your tattoo vibrant.  

3. Most tattoos could benefit from a follow up session.  the skin can only take so much ink in one pass. so even with a perfect heal, there may be a need to apply more ink in some areas. after the tattoo is fully healed come see me and I will determine if your tattoo could use a follow up session to ensure that it remains world-class-quality for life.  

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Final Reminders  

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Your tattoo is an investment—proper care ensures it looks amazing for years to come. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.  

 

Remember: KEEP IT CLEAN AND DON’T LET IT DRY OUT!