Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain relief purposes prior to tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which will slow down your healing as well. In addition, our artists do not appreciate dealing with drunks and is illegal in many states.
“A tattoo is one of the most dynamic symbols of self expression ever created and it is important to rely on the expert guidance of your artist for the proper aftercare of your life-long treasure.”
You were tattooed in a modern studio with sterilized instruments and pigments and, after the process, the artist may have dressed the tattoo with a small amount of unscented white lotion. The long life of your tattoo depends upon the care you give it during the first few days and weeks.
It may bleed a bit at first, but it will stop within a couple of hours. Remove your bandage in one hour. If the gauze, bed sheets or clothes sticks to the skin, soak the area with cold water until the gauze, bed sheets, or clothes loosens, then remove carefully.
Once the tattoo is exposed, wash it carefully in cold water, gently applying antibacterial soap with fingers (never use a cloth) to remove all surface blood. Rinse with cold water. Do not let the water stream directly hit the tattoo. Pat dry with a clean towel and air-dry for 15 minutes. Then gently apply a thin layer of unscented white lotion ointment sparingly. Massage into your skin. Do not leave your tattoo wet looking due to excessive unscented white lotion. Repeat 3 or 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
After 5 to 14 days the tattoo may start to peel (this is normal like a sunburn) and scab. DO NOT pick or peel the skin away, let it fall off naturally during washing or application of unscented white lotion. Fresh skin will soon replace the dead skin. Colors may fade during the process but will return when healing is completed.
Tattoo Goo lotion keeps your tattoos from drying and the skin areas soft and moist. Always apply sparingly. Too much prevents the skin/tattoo from breathing, and can cause leeching of the colors. If this happens, discontinue use, wash the tattoo, pat dry, and consult your tattoo artist at your earliest convenience.
After a few weeks, all scabbing will be gone; but the area may still be sensitive. Continue regular cleaning and application of unscented white lotion for proper aftercare for your tattoo.
Exposure to the sun is the major cause of tattoo fading, but after a few months you may sunbathe in moderation. Always use a sun block (at least SPF-30 sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection).
If you experience any reaction to unscented white lotion, discontinue use and consult your tattoo artist. We recommend if there is an irritation to use Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion (non-scented) or Lubriderm.
Please ask about cutting edge SANIDERM . Typically, you can keep the second bandage on anywhere from 3-5 days. Saniderm bandages protect your healing tattoo from scabbing, infection, and other irritants that damage tattoos.
It is normal for your tattoo to look like the ink is ‘coming out’ of your skin for the first few days. Do not be alarmed. This is part of the normal healing process. Just keep following the healing aftercare as normal.
If your tattoo itches during healing, pat it instead of scratching it. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at (386) 253-5857 or fax us at (386) 255-5999.
Our hours vary depending on time of year. Either way you are sure to catch our artists any day of the week between noon and 10pm. We offer extended hours during peak season. Peak season falls between February and July.
Shop Hours
10am to 11pm