Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Leave the bandage that your tattooer placed on your new tattoo until the next morning.

Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and an antimicrobial soap.

When you remove the bandage, wash the tattoo off with hot water and the antimicrobial soap that you have lathered in your hands. Make sure to clean your tattoo thoroughly.

Do not use a washcloth, you will irritate the skin.

Gently pat dry your tattoo with a clean towel. Do not dry your tattoo by using a rubbing motion with a towel, this will further irritate your skin.

Apply a very thin layer of a medicated ointment, such as Bacitracin, for the first 2 to 3 days. When using the ointment, the thinner layer you can apply, the better for healing. Gently and thoroughly rub the ointment into your tattoo. When you think you’re done rubbing it in, rub it in a little more! After rubbing in the ointment, look at the tattoo, if there are areas that look wet or shiny take a clean paper towel and blot up the excess ointment. Apply the ointment the first 2 to 3 days, 2 to 3 times per day.

Once per day, wash your tattoo using an antimicrobial soap.

After 2 to 3 days, switch to a fragrance-free and dye-free white hand lotion such as Lubriderm, Curel, Cetaphil, Eucerin and Aquaphor. These lotions are all excellent choices. Apply this as needed throughout the day to keep the skin moisturized. A good way to tell when you need to reapply lotion is when your tattoo feels tight.

Do NOT pick or scratch your new tattoo. It will get itchy, this is part of the healing process.

The tattoo will “flake”, similar to a bad sunburn. 

Do NOT soak your tattoo, no pools, oceans, hot tubs or jacuzzis until the tattoo is completely healed. Soaking a fresh tattoo may cause scabbing, loss of pigment and can prolong the healing process.

Avoid over-exposing your new tattoo to the sun. While healing, do NOT use sunscreen but DO keep your tattoo covered with clean, loose clothing. After your tattoo is completely healed, always use a high SPF UVA/UVB Sunblock on the tattoo to help guard against fading.

Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different. Healing times vary depending on the person and the tattoo. 

If you have any questions or concerns about healing your new tattoo, DO NOT TAKE YOUR FRIEND’S ADVICE! Stop in or call us at the shop during regular business hours 302-762-1650 Thanks for choosing Northside Tattoos for your new body art!