Your Artist did their part giving you an AWESOME new tattoo in a clean safe environment practicing safe tattooing and pathogen prevention.

Now you need to do your part by following these instructions. 

You Survived ! Now What ?

Remember everyone heals up differently and every area heals up differently. The aftercare I go through at the end of every tattoo is based on my work in healthcare and the human injury tissue repair cycle. Just follow these instructions, be patient, and everything should heal up nicely:

 Tegaderm/Tatuderm/Saniderm (artificial skin): Keep this bandage on for 3 days. Remove under warm water gently.  Only oxygen can get in and out so plasma may build up.

Don’t pick or scratch. This will lead to loss of colour.

A tattoo can take 3 months to fully heal, but you will find the surface scabbing and flaking will stop within the first week or two.

Expect flaking and very light scabbing. If you're moisturizing properly there should be no scabbing.

Black “Meat” Pads:stay on until the following morning to avoid sticking to sheets and clothing while you sleep.

Wash with a plain, unscented, mild soap like DIAL or IVORY when you wake up, before you go to bed or if anything gross touches it.  Your tattoo should no longer feel “slimy.”
DO NOT SCRUB!  LET IT AIR DRY!

 Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to the tattoo when it feels dry, tight, scabby, flaky, or itchy. Don’t over do it. Don’t “glob” it on. Just rub it in really, really well. Stay in the tattooed area only. It should never form dry cracky scabs.

NEVER USE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS  i.e. vaseline or petrolatum 

Don’t soak your tattoo in water for long periods of time while you are flaking or scabbing. Showers are fine, but try to avoid baths, pools, lakes, hot tubs, etc.

Try to avoid excessive rubbing which can lead to irritation and loss of colour. i.e. bra straps

Most importantly, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me directly  (Not the shop, friends or other tattooers) and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Feet, Hands, and Lower Limbs

These areas are more prone to swelling especially in anyone with a circulatory disease or diabetes.  Keep lower limbs elevated as much as possible. Do not wear enclosed foot wear under any circumstances until foot tattoos are healed. Keep the limbs moving.

 Hands, Neck or Face tattoos. It is the artists choice to do these areas.

Touch Up Policy

First you need to come into the shop to let me see what I will be touching up.  There is a $25.00 fee for touch ups at the artists discretion.  Wait for 6 weeks for good healing and within 3 months of getting the tattoo done. 

If touch ups are small it is suggested you get them done when you get more work done to make your journey to the shop and the set up for the tattoo more worth it.