Tattoo Aftercare

  1. Leave the wrappers on. If we wrapped your tattoo with plastic wrap before you left the shop, leave it bandaged overnight. This prevents clotting and stops bacteria from entering the body. **If you need to remove your bandage for any reason: Wash your tattoo gently with plain liquid antibacterial soap (i.e. Liquid Dial or Soft Soap) and rinse well. Let the area air dry for 5-10 minutes. Then, with clean hands, apply one layer of plastic wrap over the tattoo and tape in place. DO NOT USE ANY OINTMENT IN THIS SITUATION!

  2. Ice it. Ice your tattoo within the first 24 hours while it is still bandaged. This helps reduce the swelling and makes you more comfortable overall. It will also help in the healing process of your tattoo. You can do this a few times in 20 minute intervals. 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off.  Do not put ice, ice packs, ect. directly on your tattoo. Once you take your initial bandage off, no more ice.

  3. Keep it clean. With clean hands, remove the bandage and wash gently with warm water and a mild unscented antibacterial soap. Allow the tattoo to air-dry for 5-10 minutes before applying any ointment.

    Do not​ use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your tattoo; your tattoo needs to stay moist in order to heal — those products will dry it out.

    Do not​ use a washcloth, loofa, sponge, or anything besides your bare hand to wash your tattoo; these will be too abrasive to a fresh tattoo. Do not over wash your tattoo. If you wash it too frequently, the tattoo will dry out too quickly and scab.

  4. Protect it from germs. Make sure your hands are clean every time you apply ointment to your tattoo. The introduction of bacteria or dirt may cause an infection if your hands are not clean. Wash your tattoo in the morning, and before bed.

    For the first 3-4 days, after washing the tattoo, apply a small amount of your favorite tattoo aftercare product. We recommend Redemption, but Bacitraycin will work as well. Apply this 3-4 times a day or as often as your tattoo dries out.

    Do not​ use Vaseline or petroleum jelly — it will fade the color of your tattoo.

  5. Moisturize. After the first 3-4 days, switch over to a good unscented moisturizer and apply whenever your skin feels dry or tight; keeping it moisturized will ensure the least amount of scabbing and peeling, thereby reducing the fading of the color. Lubriderm and Eucerin are recommended. If your skin starts breaking out, however, you’re using too much.

  6. Sun is bad. Keep your tattoo out of the sun. The sun will fade your tattoo. Sun exposure in the first few weeks will also be painful. Once the tattoo has healed, make sure to use a light layer of SPF 50 or higher on the tattoo. However, keeping your tattoo covered completely is recommended.

  7. No soaking or swimming. For the first 2 weeks after you get tattooed, avoid baths, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, water parks, etc. Any of these activities can expose you to harsh chemicals or bacteria and NEITHER is good for your tattoo. Soaking the tattoo will also cause the scab to come off faster, and along with it, some of the ink.

  8. No picking or scratching. Like any wound on your skin, your tattoo will itch during the healing process. ​DO NOT SCRATCH IT​. Scratching or picking will remove the scab and possibly some of the color from the tattoo. You can apply lotion or gently pat your tattoo to relieve any itching.

  9. Ink Bleed. It’s totally normal for your fresh tattoo to “bleed” ink during the healing process. Be mindful of wearing clothing that you are okay with getting ink on. You can put a towel on your bed to avoid getting ink on your sheets.

    During the healing process it’s normal for your new tattoo to be swollen for the first few days. A​ fter those first few days​, if your tattoo becomes red, swollen, or there’s puss coming out - seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY​.

If you have any questions about the care of your new tattoo, please call the shop. Clockwork Tattoo & Art Gallery 860-788-3125