Tattoo Aftercare

Every tattoo artist has a preferred method for healing a tattoo. We have experimented with our own tattoos in order to determine what we feel is the most effective way of healing. We guarantee all work as long as the tattoo was healed by our directions, touch ups are free of charge as long as the tattoo was healed properly. We are able to tell if a tattoo was neglected or damaged during the healing process which is not covered by our studio. We have a 6 month deadline for touch ups due to the fact that we are not responsible for “faded” tattoos. It is not fair to the artists to touch up work that has been neglected for almost a year.

We rely on you to take the time and be responsible to heal your tattoo.

When your tattoo is completed the artist will place a “bandage” over the area. It is important to leave this on for about 3 hours. This is only there to protect the tattoo from bacteria until the skin has sealed itself enough where there is no more plasma leaking. Once the “bandage” has been removed place it in the garbage DO NOT RE-BANDAGE!! Air is the most important aspect of healing a tattoo. If the bandage is left on it will trap the moisture and the ink will start to leak out of the tattoo.

The tattoo must be cleaned gently with a mild, non perfumed soap (dove/ivory) and warm water. This is only to get the ink and plasma off the skin. The tattoo will only be cleaned this one time. It is our suggestion that the tattoo is left alone the first day.

The tattoo will leak a bit of ink the first day so it is wise to wear loose fitting clothing to bed as to not ruin the sheets on your bed or have the clothing stick to the tattoo..

DO NOT SOAK TATTOO! Obviously showers are encouraged during the healing process but you must be careful. The tattoo cannot be submerged in water or all the ink will be pulled out or scabs will become moist and the tattoo will be destroyed. NO SWIMMING OR BATHS! The tattoo will come in contact with water so when you are finished in the shower please pat the tattoo dry DO NOT RUB or all scabs will be wiped off.

* TIP * Tattoo on the leg? Place the leg on the side of the tub. Tattoo on your back? Face the shower head etc.

Please use either Polysporin OINTMENT not cream (green tube) or Canvas tattoo oil to heal the tattoo. For shaded pieces (black and grey) it is encouraged to go up to 5 days without applying any ointment at all. After the use of ointment has started go every other day applying it. Solid black and colour work should go 2-3 days before the ointment is applied and then going every other day with the application. Place a very small (pea sized) amount onto a paper towel and rub into the tattoo. Wipe off all excess ointment IMMEDIATELY. If the ointment sits on the tattoo it acts like water and creates a barrier from the air.

The tattoo will scab DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH. When the scabs are ready to come off they will do so on their own. Even if a scab is held on by a tiny piece of skin please leave it alone. If the scab is pulled off there will be a “hole” in the tattoo. The tattoo will become very itchy when it is scabbing but you must resist scratching. Put the ointment on, scratch around the tattoo or slap it.

Do not expose a healing tattoo to the sun. Once the tattoo is healed you must apply sun block when exposed to sun and this will keep your tattoo looking like new.

When a tattoo is nearing the end of the healing process it will become dry and the ink will appear to be muted. This is due to the new layer of skin. Apply a small amount of hand lotion and the tattoo will come back to life.

This is your body and your investment. Please treat is as an open wound that needs to heal with care. We are here if you need us for anything so please feel free to get in touch with us if you have a question or a concern.

Remember: We put 110% into everything we do and it is very frustrating to us that we have to leave it up to the customer to have it look the same healed as it did when it was originally tattooed. It is your responsibility to heal your tattoo properly!