My appointment is over, how do I take care of my new tattoo?

I cannot stress enough that aftercare is an extremely important part of the tattoo process – how your piece heals will largely be attributed to how well you take care of it once you leave the shop.

• Once you leave the shop wear your bandage for 5 to 6 hours after getting tattooed, or overnight. After this time has elapsed remove the bandage and discard it. Take a shower in the hottest water you can handle and let the water run over your tattoo for a few minutes.

• Next, cleanse the area using brand new unscented soap and your fingertips (do not use a loofah, cloth, sponge, etc.). Gently rub the tattoo with your fingertips and soap until the area feels “normal” - this means it is free of dried blood and plasma. This initial cleanse helps ensure your tattoo will heal properly.

• When you get out of the shower let your tattoo air dry. For the next two to three days let your tattoo dry out as much as possible; this means absolutely no lotions or creams applied to the tattoo. Once this time has elapsed you may apply unscented lotion as necessary to relieve itchy/dry skin (I recommend Aquaphor, but no matter what please avoid anything with petroleum jelly or aloe vera).

• During the healing process you may shower daily but you should make every attempt to keep the tattoo as dry as possible. When you get out of the shower, air drying or patting the tattoo with a clean towel is best (do not rub it). Open bodies of water such as pools, hot tubs, lakes, the ocean, and baths must be avoided at all costs for a minimum of three weeks. Remember: a new tattoo is an open wound and water is a breeding ground for bacteria. Disregarding this precaution may result in infection.

• Do not pick, scratch, or rub your tattoo. Although the healing process is often extremely itchy and can be uncomfortable, irritating your tattoo can result in colour loss and uneven healing.