Standard Method
1-3 Hours: Remove bandage and wash with cool water and anti-bacterial soap, put nothing on the tattoo afterwards. Wash the tattoo one more time before you go to bed that night.
Next Morning: Wash the tattoo with cool water and let air dry for about 15 minutes. Apply a thin coat of Aquaphor to your tattoo and rub in for about 1 minute, then gently wipe off any excess ointment with a clean paper towel.
Next 4 Days: Wash the tattoo 3 times per day, let dry, and keep a thin layer of ointment on the skin. The tattoo should appear a little shinny but not wet.
Next 2 Weeks: Wash the tattoo periodically, and apply a white fragrance free lotion as needed whenever it feels tight, dry, or itchy. Do not submerge the tattoo underneath water. Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight.
Rest of Your Life: Use a lotion with Vitamin E on your tattoo as often possible. Always use sunblock with high SPF ratings when outside for extended periods of time. When tanning cover the tattoo with zinc oxide (the stuff life guards use on their nose).
- Do NOT submerge in any type of water.
- Do NOT scrub your tattoo while washing. Gently use only your hand.
- Do NOT expose your tattoo to UV light.
- Do NOT touch your tattoo with dirty hands.
- Do NOT pick at your tattoo.
Wrapped Method
In order for your tattoo to heal efficiently and comfortably you will need to keep your tattoo covered with Saran wrap for the first 72 hours (3 days).
Within the first 72 hours you will need to hand wash your tattoo every 4 hours with unscented, liquid antibacterial soap and water to remove all plasma, ink, and blood build up.
After washing your tattoo allow it to air dry for a few minutes. After your tattoo is dry, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor Advanced Healing Ointment and re-cover with fresh, new Saran wrap.
This process should be followed EXACTLY for the first 72 hours (3 days).
After the first 72 hours uncover your tattoo, and continue to wash your tattoo every 4 hours and continue to apply a thin layer of Aquaphor ointment after washing until your tattoo is fully healed (2 weeks).
- Discontinue using Saran Wrap after the first 72 hours.
- Do NOT submerge in any type of water.
- Do NOT scrub your tattoo while washing. Gently use only your hand.
- Do NOT expose your tattoo to UV light.
- Do NOT touch your tattoo with dirty hands.
- Do NOT pick at your tattoo.