Aftercare Information

Your tattoo was done in a sterile environment by a professional. It is important to protect your tattoo from any outside contamination during the healing process. Every artist has a different preference on how to heal a tattoo, it is up to the client to see what works for him/her. Here are simple instructions to follow for any tattoo:

Supplies needed:

1. Antibacterial fragrance-free soap, recommended: Dial Gold or Dial Clear
2. Healing Ointment, recommended: Aquaphor or any healing ointment made specifically for healing tattoos. Avoid: Neosporin,  Bacitracin, Vaseline or any other products not mentioned
3. Fragrance-free Lotion, recommended: Aveeno. Avoid any lotions that have scents, as this may irritate the tattoo.

Here are basic guidelines that will work for any healing tattoo

1. The healing process usually takes around 3 weeks, but can differ from person to person
2. The most important part of the tattoo is to keep it clean and moisturized
3. Leave the bandage on for one hour or until you are in a clean environment to clean the tattoo. Do not leave bandage on overnight!
4. Wash your hands before cleaning the tattoo
5. Wash the tattoo, using only your hands, with the Dial Gold, rinse with water until soap residue is off
6. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow to air dry 
7. Apply thin layer of Aquaphor and then pat with paper towel, to lighten the amount of ointment on the tattoo. Less is more when it comes to the ointment.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 for 2 times per day, at morning and at night, for 2 total days
9. The next day, you will still clean the tattoo 2 times per day, and then apply Aveeno lotion as needed. Again, less is more with the lotion. It is better to apply a small amount more frequently during the day, instead of large amounts less frequently
10. Continue with step 9 for at least 3 weeks. 

Be aware of your new tattoo. Use common sense for most things. It is an open wound; don't let the tattoo be exposed to dirty gym equipment, or other environments that may be harvesting bacteria

Things NOT to do:

• DO NOT leave bandage on overnight
• DO NOT re-bandage the tattoo for the remainder of the healing process
• DO NOT peel or itch tattoo when it is healing
• DO NOT expose tattoo to direct sunlight for at least 3 weeks
• DO NOT expose tattoo to tanning beds or apply spray tan for at least 3 weeks
• DO NOT submerge tattoo in water, including swimming, hot tubs, saunas, and baths
• DO NOT shave or wax the area until the tattoo is completely healed, usually 3 weeks
• DO NOT apply sunblock for a minimum of 3 weeks after the tattoo was completed
• DO NOT apply makeup cover up to your healing tattoo
• DO NOT listen to friends who have tattoos about their healing tips, contact your artist or shop you got the tattoo at for the best advice

Things you can do:

• The tattoo can get wet, and you can shower as early as 1 hour after the tattoo is completed
• You can go to the gym, just be aware of the tattoo. I would advise to wear clothing that would cover the tattoo. I would also recommend not exercising the body part if the tattoo falls on an area that may require the tattooed area to move more than normal. Example: If you got your leg tattooed, focus on working out your arms or any other area unaffected. Use your best judgement to help the tattoo heal with most ease
• You may wear clean, loose clothing over the area, something breathable preferred

Normal Things to see:

• The tattoo will itch and start to peel, similar to a sunburn healing. 
• If the tattoo was done in black and grey, the greywash may lighten up during the healing process
• If the tattoo is itchy, it may need to get cleaned and apply lotion. Lotion should be applied very lightly
• When you wash your tattoo, it is possible to see dry or colored skin flakes come off, this is the top layer of the tattoo peeling off

When your tattoo is completely healed, you may continue to use lotion to keep the skin moisturized and healthy. This will keep the tattoo looking its best.  

Anytime you are in direct sunlight after the tattoo is fully healed, usually after 3 weeks, use a high SPF sunblock lotion or article of clothing to protect your tattoo from fading. Re-apply SPF once per hour while in direct sunlight

Please contact me at Jimmy@demonartwork.com if you have any questions regarding aftercare so I can add it to this guideline

Please contact a health care professional at the first sign of infection. This is extremely rare and must consist of the following: Fever, swelling, increased redness, drainage, discoloration, abnormal pain. If you are unsure if it is infected or not, send a picture to my email at jimmy@demonartwork.com and I will assist you further.