Aftercare
The aftercare of your new tattoo will have a huge impact on how your tattoo will look once it is fully healed
Please follow the aftercare instructions below and pay close attention to the instructions I provide as well as the definite don'ts
Remove the wrap
After your tattoo, I will wrap it and send you on your way. I recommend you leave this wrapping on 2 - 3 days for optimal results. Please try your best to keep it on for a minimum of 2 days. You may leave it on for up to 5 days at the most.
Wash it
Once the wrapping is off, wash your tattoo with antimicrobial, unscented and gentle soaps only. Gently wash/rinse your tattoo thoroughly with soap and water. Remember not to directly submerge the tattoo in water and stay away from hot temperatures!
Dry It
After you have washed your tattoo, gently pat it dry with a towel or paper-towel. Avoid rubbing the new tattoo as this will definitely irritate it! Once you have patted it dry, let it breathe for 20 - 30 minutes by air drying it before applying any lotions.
Moisturize
You may start applying lotion to your new tattoo after the first wash! Allowing your tattoo to dry out will slow down cellular activity and delay the healing process, so be sure to keep it moisturized. With that being said, do not over do it as too much lotion will suffocate it; listen to your body and apply as needed. Use unscented and gentle lotions ONLY and avoid any lotions that may be scented, artificial or medicated. Never use the petroleum based products such as vaseline, neosporin or polysporin on your tattoos.
Rinse and Repeat
Follow the wash it, dry it and moisturize aftercare instructions above for 4 - 6 weeks (or until tattoo is completely healed). During the initial 4 - 6 week healing process please rinse, dry and moisturize your tattoo every 3 - 5 hours daily. To avoid any infection or irritation, please read The Definite Don'ts available below!
The Definite don'ts
Please DO NOT do these things
Swim, Hot tub or bath
DO NOT immerse your new tattoo in water until ALL the scabs and dry skin have peeled off. Think of tattoos as open wounds, and by soaking it in water you are increasing your risk of a bacterial infection. Soaking may cause the ink to diffuse out of where it was originally placed. Also, soaking a tattoo may dry it out which can also lead to infection or scarring.
Exercise
DO NOT go to the gym or heavily exercise until AT LEAST 3-5 days have passed after your appointment. Sweating under the second skin will irritate the tattoo as well as the surrounding skin underneath the wrap. After that, you may move to light exercise until the tattoo is healed and the scars/skin have peeled off. Working out too soon will lead to swelling and open the doors to a number of possible infections.
Tan
DO NOT expose your new tattoo to  natural or artificial UV light until after it is fully healed (4 - 6 weeks). UV light quickly absorbs into your skin and will progressively disintegrate ink pigment. Once the 4 - 6 weeks are up and you decide you get baked, please use a minimum of SPF 50 to protect your tat from fading. Otherwise, cover up!
Pick, peel or scratch
DO NOT pick, peel or scratch any flaking skin or scabs you make have during the healing process. I know it's itchy but just don't do it. Please. Your tattoo may start to flake, peel, scab or resemble a lizard; this is completely normal and is just your bodies natural response to injury. Itchy? Lotion up and suck it up!
Exfoliate
DO NOT use a washcloth or loofah when you are cleaning your tattoo. Your hands will do just dandy. Anything other than your hands may irritate the open wound and slow down the healing process. Also, washcloths and loofahs are generally an awesome place for bacteria to hang out.
Suffocate it
DO NOT suffocate your tattoo with additional wrap or constraining clothing. Once the wrap is off, let it breathe! If you rewrap it you will trap in additional moisture which leads to infection.Tight fitting clothes will rub and irritate the tattoo, lengthening the healing process. So, NO extra wrapping and NO tight clothes.