New Tattoo Aftercare

Your new tattoo will be covered with a bandage immediately following your tattoo procedure.

Go ahead and leave the bandage on your tattoo for a couple of hours.  Your tattoo is a wound, and it will bleed some – this is normal.

After a few hours, carefully remove the bandage from your new tattoo to begin the Aquaphor tattoo care process. *NOTE* (If you do not have or cannot get Aquaphor you can use non-scented lotion. We recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, or Eucerin.)

We recommend using the Aquaphor for the first 48 hours, then move to a non-scented hand lotion (Aveeno, Lubriderm or Eucerin) until the tattoo is completely healed.

**If using lotion in place of the Aquaphor, follow the instructions below.(Using lotion where it says to apply Aquaphor) After the 48 hours continue to wash the tattoo and apply lotion 3 times a day until completely healed.**

  1. Wash your new tattoo with warm water. While this may be a bit uncomfortable, it will not harm your new tattoo.  Gently remove all blood to help prevent scabbing.  Do not scrub your new tattoo – gentle pressure will be sufficient.
  2. Dry your tattoo. Using a slightly moist and clean paper towel, gently dab your new tattoo dry and gently remove any solid pieces of blood, ect.
  3. Wash tattoo with mild anti-bacterial soup and water. Again, do not scrub your new tattoo.  Gently clean the area and rinse well.
  4. Dry the area around your new tattoo. Allow the area of your new tattoo to air dry.  This should take about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Apply the Aquaphor Healing Ointment. (or lotion) Using very light pressure, gently apply a light coat of Aquaphor ointment.  A small amount will do – too heavy of a coating of Aquaphor will only trap germs into your newly tattooed area.
  6. Do not re-bandage your tattoo. Wear loose fitting clothes if needed, but allow your newly tattooed area to have air to speed healing.
  7. Repeat cleaning process 3 times a day. Clean your tattoo and gently massage in Aquaphor 3 times a day.
  8. After the first 48 hours. Discontinue using the Aquaphor.  Instead, wash your tattoo 3 times a day and apply a non-scented hand lotion until tattoo is completely healed.

Avoid the following things for the next 2 weeks:

  • No swimming in any water for 2 weeks, this includes hot tubs, salt, fresh or chlorinated water.
  • Keep your tattoo out of the sun for 2 weeks.  After that, use sunscreen daily.
  • Do not pick at or scratch your tattoo if it is itchy.  Just gently slap it or apply Black Cat Salve.
  • Avoid wearing tight or form fitting clothing over tattoo.
  • Do not apply any other antibacterial ointments, balms or creams other than what is listed above.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call or stop by the shop and see us.

Addictions in Ink
316-260-1731
1255 S. Tyler
Wichita, KS 67209