Aftercare Instructions

If you have any questions, please call us at 604-621-4628!

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT!
The skin is the body's largest organ and will require help to heal after a tattoo procedure, no matter how large or small. Poor aftercare can result in ink loss, scarring, or an infection.

  1. Keep the tattoo covered for at least 3 hours and for no longer than 12 hours. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight throughout the healing process!
  2. Before you remove your bandage, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Your skin is at its most vulnerable at this stage.
  3. Use a gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap. Wash very gently with lukewarm water, then pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not scrub or rub the tattoo!
  4. Wash your tattoo gently, twice a day, for the first two weeks to remove excess ink, plasma, and to keep it safe from bacteria.
  5. Avoid baths, hot tubs and swimming pools for at least two weeks. You can expose your tattoo to chemicals and bacteria, not to mention it’s unsanitary to share your wound with others using the same water. Showering is recommended, but avoid allowing the spray to hit the tattoo directly.
  6. Avoid stretching or pulling the skin through strenuous activity, sports, or exercise. This is especially important during the first 48-72 hours, when the skin is weak and subject to tearing and scabbing.
  7. Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattooed area. Tight-fitting material can irritate and stick to the tattoo, risking pulling off healing skin. Be aware that tattoo ink can also permanently stain clothes, so choose your outfits well.
  8. Moisturize – after cleaning, apply an ointment or balm to keep the skin hydrated. This will prevent drying, cracking, bleeding, and reduce pain. Follow the process for two to four weeks, until the tattoo is well-healed.
    1. Apply a THIN layer of moisturizer two or three times a day. Over-application will smother the skin, trap excess moisture, and slow the healing process.
    2. Choose tattoo-specific balms or ointments with ingredients such as aloe vera, Shea butter, and jojoba oil. Avoid petroleum-based products, as they can trap bacteria and slow healing (they are poorly absorbed).
  9. Do not pick at scabs. They are a necessary part of the healing process. You can damage the skin significantly by picking, rubbing, or scraping it, leading to loss of ink, scarring, or infection.
  10. After healing, keep your tattoo vibrant and clear by always using sunscreen!
  11. If at any point you are worried the tattoo is infected, see your doctor asap - not your buddy, not Google search, see a medical professional!